This report examines Federal government activities undertaken to support adult female victims of spouse abuse in 1979 and 1980, summarizes issues that must be resolved to improve national, State, and local responsiveness to the problems of spouse abuse, and suggests legislative, regulatory, and administrative changes. The needs of victims of domestic violence and of the organizations that serve them are assessed for the following areas: (1) housing; (2) social services; (3) financial; (4) legal; (5) physical and mental health; (6) employment and training; and (7) organizational development and management. Nineteen Federal Programs existing in 1979-80 are examined to determine their relevance, adequacy, and potential for meeting the identified needs, with emphasis on how current legislation and administrative policy enhance or inhibit the potentials of these programs to serve victims of domestic violence. Other Federal programs are briefly discussed to illustrate Federal resources available to State and local organizations for addressing the needs of battered women. Appended are an explanation of the methodology used in collecting the information in the report, and descriptions of the Federal programs studied. (Author/MJL)