In 1992 the American Association of Retired Persons contracted with the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence to conduct a national survey to identify programming tailored specifically for older abused women. Of 240 surveys mailed, 120 agencies in 48 States and 2 territories returned completed surveys. Only 16 specialized programs for older battered women in 4 States or territories were reported. At the time the survey was completed, 34 support groups for older abused women were identified. Based on interviews with the facilitators of each group, project staff developed a manual that describes how to start support groups for older victims. Based on interviews with women who have attended such support groups, facilitators identified a number of benefits for the women, including learning they were not alone in their abuse, providing support and breaking isolation, learning new survival strategies, improving their physical and mental health, and promoting peace and hope. In discussing the characteristics of existing support groups for older women, this article considers the age, gender, and relationship to the abuser. Other topics discussed are where and when to hold the group and the content of the groups. Challenges of starting such a group have included gaining participation, transportation, freedom to leave the group, and funding. The article concludes with a listing of eight guiding principles for working with older abused women. 7 references