Today, domestic violence is a social problem of epidemic proportions. It is crucial to understand that no one is immune to domestic violence, and service providers working with domestic violence victims must understand how different environmental circumstances and personal characteristics can influence the victim in the service seeking process. This study examined individuals who were victims of domestic violence in Illinois between 1990 and 1995, comparing the traits and service needs of those who received assistance in an urban county over the 5-year period with those who were served by domestic violence programs in rural areas. The analysis focused on differences between clients using domestic violence services in rural counties and those served by domestic violence programs in Cook County. In addition, the analysis focused on demographic characteristics of clients in each region. Finding highlights include: (1) differences in the characteristics and circumstances of abuse among clients in rural and urban areas are not very large; (2) evidence that victims in rural settings are less likely to use a referral source compared to women in Cook County; (3) given the greater reliance on family and friends as referral sources in rural settings, community education related to violence may be particularly useful in rural counties; and (4) rural victims of violence regardless of race need more services than those in Cook County. It is critical for researchers and practitioners to consider the interaction of factors in victims of family violence. References