The new Federal law provides tough penalties for anyone convicted of crossing State lines to assault a spouse or domestic partner. The grants are available for police training programs, public education materials, and improved communication and data collection systems. These efforts will help create an integrated system of law enforcement, prosecution, and services addressing the needs of battered and sexually assaulted women. The funds can be used to create specialized police and prosecution to deal with domestic violence and sexual assault cases. It is also important to bring together professionals in law enforcement, health, victim advocacy, education, and business to protect victims and ensure that perpetrators are punished. Nevertheless, domestic crimes are often difficult to prosecute due to victims' fears of being killed before the criminal justice system could act. Criminal justice professionals, health professionals, social service professionals, and all citizens need to understand their roles in raising awareness and ensuring early intervention and effective action.