Psychological, sociological and social-psychological variables are involved in most cases of domestic violence in Australia. In general, the modern family faces external forces, pressures, and strains, as well as internal problems such as blurred generational and sex roles. Numerous characteristics of modern life (for example, the collapse of social norms) provide a setting in which violence can easily erupt. Rather than directly causing domestic violence, alcohol use is more likely to act as a trigger in a violent context. Some writers suggest that adequate explanations for domestic violence must be sought in the wider socio-historical context of human existence. To what extent, they ask, are men attempting through force to establish or maintain a patriarchal social order? Research reports from many countries reveal that it is in a marital setting that women are most likely to be involved in violence, in the great majority of cases as victims. Certainly, resources should be provided to preventive programs attempting to alleviate pressures and conditions associated with domestic violence. Additionally, further attention should be given to important issues concerning the power of the police to intervene in domestic situations and the legal rights of all women to be protected from violence in their homes. (RH)