A discussion of the scope of spouse abuse provides data on the prevalence of the problem in the United States and its presence among all classes of people. After defining spouse abuse, the pamphlet notes the central role of police officers in dealing with domestic assaults and the hazards associated with such incidents. The nature of the cycle of violence in spouse abuse is explained to better prepare officers for dealing with it. The phases of spouse abuse are described as tension-building, battering, and contrition, usually followed in time by a repetition of these phases. Guidelines are given for specific stages of police intervention: the initial encounter, separation of the couple, interview of the batterer, interview of the victim, and reassurance/assessment of any children present. A discussion guide and questions and answers are provided.