One of the most complex issues facing health professionals and government agencies today is that of domestic violence. Domestic violence includes any violence inflicted on a family member by another family member. Thus, domestic violence can be described as spousal abuse, child abuse, sibling abuse, or elder abuse. Most authorities suggest that domestic violence generally expresses itself in violence against women and children. Such acts of violence may involve medical professionals in the treatment of physical injuries, the psychological impact on the victim, or the aggressive behavior of the perpetrator. Government agencies are often called upon to investigate such cases to ensure the safety of victims or to determine the appropriate punishment for the offender. However, given the importance of family bonds and rights that our culture maintains, it is difficult to determine when the situation at home is "no one's business" and when it merits intervention from outside parties to protect the well-being of those who experience it. implied. Despite these difficulties and complexities, domestic violence is considered a global health problem requiring urgent intervention (“A Priority Health,” 1998). The purpose of this article is to explore the incidence and treatment of domestic violence. IncidenceDomestic violence appears to be a global problem that occurs in every country on the planet. The small island of Fiji reports cases of husbands killing their wives following marital conflicts (Adinkrah, 1999). Japanese authorities describe domestic violence as a “hidden crime” (Mieko, 1999). A survey conducted by the Tokyo local government indicated that: a third of women surveyed had experienced physical violence at the hands of their husbands, violence was repeatedly inflicted on almost seven percent of women and more than three percent 100 said they had been severely beaten. . The Indian government suspects that at least five thousand women were burned alive in 1991 by their husbands following marital disputes (Singh & Unnithan, 1999). Although Sweden is generally considered a country sensitive to social and family issues, it is also plagued by incidents of domestic violence. Therefore, the Swedish government introduced a new offense in 1998...... middle of paper ...... for violent marital homes. Families in Society, 75(7), 403-415. A priority health issue. (1998). World Health, 51(5), 15. Reid, ST (1991). Crime and Criminology, 4th ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.Russell, DEH (1984) Sexual Exploitation: Rape, Child Sexual Abuse, and Workplace Harassment. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. Singh, RN and Unnithan, NP (1999). Wife burning: Cultural indices of fatal violence against women among Asian Indians in the United States. Violence Against Women, 5(6), 641-653. Straus, M. A. (1977). Beating your wife: how common is it and why? » Victimology, 2(3-4), 443-458. Tutty, LM, Bidgood, BA and Rothery, MA (1996). Evaluating the effect of group process and client variables in support groups for battered women. Social Work Practice Research, 6(3), 308-324. Ways for Child Protective Service social workers and caseworkers to integrate domestic violence issues into case practice. (1997). Public Welfare, 55(3), 10. Ways child welfare supervisors can integrate domestic violence issues into, 55(3), 8.