In addition to exploring victimization among this at-risk group of women, the article also analyzed perceptions of and responses to the violence. Stress theory is applied as a basic framework for understanding personal resources and coping behavior among prostitutes who are violently victimized. A sample of 43 women completed the Inventory of Life Events and Changes, a 7-item depression inventory, a 7-item locus of control instrument, a 20-item instrument measuring impulse control, the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, and the Coping Resources Inventory-Form D. In-depth, personal interviews were also conducted. Results of the intensive interviews and statistical analyses of the quantitative data revealed that the participants had lifelong patterns of abuse and victimization. Such patterns of victimization exert significant impacts on the victim’s sense of security and agency. The findings have implications for interventions; domestic violence intervention services must address multiple sources of violence rather than on just the current act of violence. The authors stress the extent of violence committed against prostituting women in general, not only street-level workers, and they urge policymakers to focus attention on this population in an effort to curb such violence. Tables, references