AFTER PRESENTING AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEM, THIS HANDBOOK DISCUSSES THE STEPS WHICH MUST BE TAKEN TO SET UP A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM AND THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH MUST BE MET ONCE A PROGRAM IS ESTABLISHED. THE MATERIALS WERE DEVELOPED FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA; THUS THE HEALTH CODES AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS CITED ARE THOSE APPLICABLE IN PENNSYLVANIA. HOWEVER, AN EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO KEEP THE PRINCIPLES GENERAL AND THE PROCEDURES WOULD BE SIMILAR IN ANY STATE IN THE U.S. THE HANDBOOK DISCUSSES MAKING A NEEDS ASSESSMENT, IDENTIFYING LOCAL AGENCIES WHICH COULD HELP WITH SPONSORSHIP, IDENTIFYING SOURCES OF VOLUNTEER HELP, RAISING MONEY, AND COORDINATING WITH POLICE, COURT, AND HOSPITAL OFFICIALS. MODEL BUDGETS ARE GIVEN FOR A HOT LINE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM, FOR A MEDIUM-SIZE SHELTER, AND FOR A LARGER SHELTER. THE DISCUSSION ALSO COVERS FINDING SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR SHELTERS; HEALTH CODES WHICH MUST BE MET; RECRUITING AND TRAINING VOLUNTEERS; SETTING UP A 24-HOUR ESCORT SERVICE FOR WOMEN SEEN IN HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS (ADVISING THEM OF THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS, HELPING THEM HANDLE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS, AND PHYSICALLY ESCORTING THEM TO A SHELTER, IF DESIRED); ACCOMPANIMENT SERVICES FOR WOMEN WHO WANT MORAL SUPPORT WHEN GOING TO THE POLICE OR TO A LAWYER; RECORDS WHICH SHOULD BE MAINTAINED; OUTREACH EFFORTS; LEGAL PROBLEMS; SERVICES WHICH MAY BE NEEDED FOR CHILDREN OF VICTIMS; AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES. RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE STATE LEVEL IN PENNSYLVANIA ARE LISTED. APPENDED MATERIALS INCLUDE COPIES OF FORMS USED BY VARIOUS ESTABLISHED SERVICES AND AN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY. (GLR)