This paper describes some problems encountered in therapy groups of battered women and reviews several studies of these groups reported in recent literature. The five basic needs of battered women and a list of specific strategies developed to meet these needs are presented in an initial section. Three common goals of the group counseling strategy are discussed with the suggestion that the battering situation may be worsened by the victim's participation in treatment. Research findings supporting group therapy as the preferred modality for working with battered women are reviewed. Three statements which must be accepted as fact for success in working with battered women are outlined in the conclusion, i.e., that: (1) battered women are not masochists; (2) the violence that occurs between spouses cannot be legitimized; and (3) blaming the victim has no pragmatic value. (MCF)