Although many battered women seek help from their family physicians as outpatients, rates of current and lifetime victimization among outpatient female patients have not been well studied. This study tested two hypotheses regarding whether battered women presented to the clinic in a different manner than did nonbattered women. First, within the past year women in current abusive relationships would attend the clinic more frequently than nonbattered women. Second, compared to nonbattered women, battered women would have been diagnosed more often with psychological and psychosomatic problems. Incidence and prevalence of spouse-abuse victimization was investigated among 374 consecutive female outpatients seeking routine health care in a large community-based family practice residency training clinic. Women were aged 18 to 75, had a history of a committed relationship of at least 6 months duration, willingness to participate, free of dementia, and able to speak English. The Conflict Tactics Scales was used to assess abusive and violent behavior experienced either within the past 12 months or at any time in the context of an intimate relationship. Twenty-five percent reported victimization in the past year, and 39 percent in their lifetime. Rate of inquiry about actual violence was entremely low--a total of six physicians. Compared to nonbattered women, battered women had more psychological and psychosomatic diagnoses, but did not make more doctor visits. (LLL)