This study is based on interviews with and psychiatric ratings of female family violence victims and male non-family violence victims. Despite differences in the type of violence and the relation to the assailant, the psychological consequences of the battering were very much the same in the two groups. The background and present social situation of the victims were very similar. The conclusion drawn with regard to the medical services, is that both groups of victims need the same attention and treatment when attending the emergency department. Apart from routine medical care, they might need treatment for alcohol problems, depression or other psychiatric conditions frequently occurring in victims of violence.