In Yemen, the proper behavior of women is central to the honor of the family. As a rule women veil almost completely and function under strict behavioral codes. Societal norms require many of them not to venture out in public without a male family member. An exploratory survey was conducted into the prevalence of violent victimization among a sample of 120 women in Sana'a. Data from police files and Interior Ministry records collected pointed to a gross underreporting of the extent of violence against women. In the rural areas of Yemen, where traditional law applies and conflict resolution is mostly achieved in the traditional manner, it is highly probable that crimes will not be reported to government offices. Given that police stations are still nearly exclusively male-staffed, it would be culturally unacceptable for a woman to enter a police station unless accompanied by a male family member. If that male family member is the perpetrator of the crime, it is highly unlikely that the woman would report the crime. Prevalence figures are high, especially for beating threats and torture. Women reported psychological consequences most often and they most often mentioned their husband as the perpetrator. Yemeni women were reticent about discussing sexual incidents but cited financial reasons as the cause of domestic violence. The consequences of violent crime may be graver for women in Yemen than in other countries because women are prevented from going back to their families of origin because of financial reasons, and they can expect little protection from the police. They also could lose their children if they leave their husband. With women often being illiterate, with no one to turn to, and without independent income, they are prisoners of their situation. Many women indicated that much of the violence they suffer is perceived as normal by society. 3 tables, 3 notes, 20 references