Domestic violence and sexual assault know no boundaries. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, in 2003, more than 39,300 rural residents sought assistance or 11.6 clients for every 1,000 rural residents. In urban areas, nearly 94,400 persons sought assistance, or 10.6 clients for every 1,000 urban residences. Statewide, this assistance was provided by 81 local domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) victim service agencies. These agencies assist clients with counseling, medical and legal accompaniment/advocacy, referrals to other agencies, and additional services. To provide these services, the agencies receive both federal and state funding, along with donations from county government, community groups, businesses and individuals. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania was interested in learning more about the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural DV and SA agencies, and in comparing rural agencies with urban agencies. To accomplish this, the Center surveyed the directors of the state's domestic violence and sexual assault service agencies. The survey response rate was 43 percent. According to the survey results, rural agencies face financial, staffing, and community awareness challenges. The results also indicated that rural and urban directors differ in their opinions on how SA and DV cases are handled by the police, medical professionals, and courts.