Purpose
This module will highlight the barriers encountered by women living in rural communities when attempting to leave domestic violence situations. Although they suffer the same types of abuse as their urban counterparts, rural victims face unique barriers, often making it even more difficult for them to leave a violent home.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, WIC and other health/nutrition program staff will be able to:
     1. Discuss some characteristics typical of rural communities.
     2. Discuss the barriers to leaving an abusive relationship, faced by rural victims.
     3. Discuss some of the positive aspects of rural communities in regard to domestic
          violence services.

 
It is important to note that rural communities may be as varied as their urban counterparts. This chapter focuses on common problems found in southern rural communities, many of which are found in rural communities across the nation, but some of which are unique to the region. Rural communities also host many immigrant and minority victims whose language and cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected.