This paper highlights aspects of the social context of family violence & ways in which it can be integrated into psychiatric or other medical practice. Statistics on wife assault, husband assault, physical & sexual abuse of children & elder abuse are given. The following topics are discussed: 1) recognition of family violence; 2) etiology; 3) diagnosis (including the assessment of suicidal & homicidal potential); & 4) intervention – including 12 recommendations for caregivers. (70 refs.)