A study of metropolitan Lima, Peru, attempted to discover whether there was a correlation between poverty levels and levels of domestic violence in low- and middle-income sectors of the area. The study examined physical, psychological and sexual violence or coercion. Specifically, the study looked for correlations between the levels and types of violence suffered by women and the following variables: income, educational level, age, marital status, job status, unemployment, number of children, pregnancy and access to basic services. In addition, it explored the possible influence of other variables that operate outside the family in the broader social environment, and that may have some bearing on whether a man behaves violently toward his partner: the woman’s access to support networks among relatives, friends or neighbors; membership or participation in community activities; presence of religious organizations in the community and family participation in them; levels of delinquency in the community; and proximity of state agents such as police officers or municipal watchmen. The existence of violence was closely correlated with household poverty, male employment and social support networks. Tables, notes, references