One hundred battered wives were interviewed. All had bruising, often together with other injuries, such as lacerations and fractures, There was a high incidence of violence in the family histories of both partners, and of drunkeness and previous imprisonment among the husbands. Netherless, both husbands and wives had wide range of educational achievements. Mmost wives were subjected to repeated violence because they had no alternative but to return to the marital home; There was an association between wife battering and child abuse. Places of sanctuary are needed where a woman can take her children when violence is out of control.