Respondents were categorized as being from (1) low income, (2) lower middle income, (3) upper middle income, or (4) industrial market countries. They held different perceptions about the abuse of women. Respondents from category 4 believed the frequency of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse was greater than respondents in the other categories. Respondents from category 4 also agreed more than the others that abuse has serious effects on the physical and mental health of victims and their children. The highest frequency of woman abuse was noted by respondents from category 1 and category 4 countries. Category 4 respondents were most aware of service availability, followed by respondents from category 1 countries. Perceptions about the nature of abuse varied among categories. Respondents from category 4 countries stated that emotional and verbal abuse was a problem in their countries. Respondents from category 2 and 3 countries agreed that men who use violence against their wives or partners are also violent with their children. While respondents from category 2 countries believed abuse was a private problem, respondents from the other three categories disagreed. Study findings suggest that awareness and knowledge of the problem of woman abuse and ways of preventing it need to be researched further internationally. 26 references and 6 tables