The text emphasizes that efforts to develop services and programs accessible to rural women and their children recognize various combinations of many rural realities, including include physical and psychological isolation and the limited services available in the town. Initial problems encountered by those working on the problem of domestic assault in rural areas include resistance to the suggestion that domestic violence occurs in rural homes, concern over lack of privacy if the violence is reported, logistical difficulties for police, lack of public transportation, weather, and lack of trained social service providers. Barriers for service providers include isolation, limited volunteer pools, funding limitations, distance, lack of anonymity, distrust of social services, transient populations, and limited availability of mass media for raising awareness. The volume offers guidelines and suggestions, describes existing programs, explains the role of police and legal advocacy efforts, and presents personal stories of abused women. The Pennsylvania Rural Outreach Manual includes case examples, guidelines, and sample forms and other program materials. Order form