Unheard and unseen. Rural women and domestic violence.

Rural society and conditions can contribute to make domestic violence more difficult to escape. Physical and social isolation, the distance to and unavailability of services, and rural culture provide challenges to abused women and to health care providers that are different from the obstacles seen in better-studied urban areas. Heightened awareness can aid in identification of abuse. Social action is necessary to change communities and to interrupt the cycle of violence.