Women's perceptions of violence differ greatly from those of men, and such perceptions reflect women's social position relative to men in society. Women generally define violence in terms of being unable to avoid involvement in violent situations and in terms of being unable to control the process and outcome. One research study explored women's experiences with violence from known men. The study included interviews with women from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, the Caribbean, and Great Britain and examined commonalities and differences between women and men. Findings showed that women existed within their own cultural domains, that women's experiences were partially shaped by socially structured differences in marriage arrangements, and that women struggled to improve their positions. Specific situations in which violence occurred involved all aspects of shared residence and life. Women's views of themselves, their families, and their futures changed over time through interaction with others. In all cultural and ethnic groups, husbands had cultural and family advantages that came from being male and being husbands. The treatment of women by government agencies and the special needs of female victims of violence are discussed. 33 references and 1 note