Wife battering refers to violent acts-psychological, sexual and/or physical assault-by an assailant against his wife and/or partner made with the intent of controlling the partner by inducing fear and pain. This paper addresses a theory about battered women and some common myths about battering are explored in social and historical context. It makes some suggestions concerning the physician's responsibility. As battered women may not complain of having been beaten, family physicians must be able to recognize behavioral symptoms in violent families and identify patterns of injury. Appropriate intervention always involves protecting the victim from further injury by stopping the cycle of violence and offering to help victims regain control by learning new ways to respond and connect with appropriate community resources.