Although reports on the incidence of domestic violence vary, it is clear that the problem is significant enough to warrant immediate attention. Psychological problems in the offender or in family relationships, social factors such as the family power structure and the offender's social position in society, and cultural factors relating to male dominance in society have all been implicated as causal factors. The literature on intervention notes the need for a range of professional and community-based resources for early identification and treatment. These include legal, health, mental health, and social services. Many treatment models have been described. Prevention measures recommended include special help to families with members who are mentally ill or abuse substances, educational programs to teach youth about family functioning and child care, and interpersonal networks for nuclear families. Other recommended measures are parent education and education of teachers in the rights and responsibilities of children in social and physical interactions. Other needs are the liberation of women and men from rigid sex roles, increasing employment of those who want to work, the sensitization of parents to their children's need for a positive self-image, and a reduction of the portrayal of violence in the media. Forty-seven references are listed.