This study examined the link between alcohol use and domestic violence in the American Indian population. A total of 204 American Indian families and 2,007 non-American Indian Whites were analyzed using the 1985 National Family Violence Resurvey. The rates of family violence were first calculated by ethnicity, and then compared to a sample of non-American Indian White families. The second part of the analysis looked at spousal violence in American Indian families. The incidence rates of couple violence were estimated to be at least 15.5 per 100 American Indian couples. Acts of spousal assaults were also found to be higher in the American Indian sample compared to the White comparison group. After controlling for economic deprivation, age and urbanicity, it was found that both high rates of alcohol consumption and high rates of perceived stress significantly increased the probability of couple violence in general and the probability of husband-to-wife assaults. The statistical relationship found between alcohol consumption and violence has been documented qualitatively in other studies. A shortage of treatment programs exists along with other problems inherent in many treatment facilities on reservations and in rural areas in general. Dealing with alcoholism alone, however, does not deal with what are more likely the underlying contributors of domestic violence. Nonetheless, spousal assault is a major problem among American Indian communities, which needs further attention. (LLL)