A total of 269 women were interviewed for this study. They were recruited from helping agencies in the metropolitan areas of Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. The sample was stratified according to race, age, and type of abuse. The questionnaire included categorical, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire focused on the nature and extent of economic, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; the nature of the abuse the women considered to be the most serious and damaging; details about the abusers; the impact of the incident on survivors; women's experiences of both formal and informal service providers; the extent and nature of women's fear of crime generally; and women's suggestions about the kind of policies and changes required to serve their needs. Findings were that 90 percent of the women had experienced emotional abuse; 90 percent had experienced physical abuse; 71 percent had experienced sexual abuse; 58 percent experienced economic abuse; and 42.5 percent had experienced all four forms of abuse. Many women experienced the various forms of abuse on an ongoing basis. Most abuse occurred in a home and was largely perpetrated by a lover, partner, or spouse. More sexual abuse survivors were abused in their youth (under 20 years of age) than survivors of other types of abuse. Information is provided on the medical services, police response, legal services, and counseling received by the women. Women's suggestions for improving services to female violence victims are provided. 25 figures and 27 tables