To investigate domestic violence in the Sudanese family, we studied 394 literate, married women attending the Arda Medical Centre, Omdurman, from October 2001 to February 2002. Through self-administered questionnaires, the women provided data on sociodemographic characteristics and abuse by the husband. Abuse was reported by 164 women (41.6%), who suffered 525 violent episodes in the previous year, classified into controlling behaviour (194), threatening behaviour (169) and physical violence (162). Frequency of violent episodes varied from 1 (25%) to > 6 (20.7%). Violence during pregnancy was reported by 27 women (16.5%). Provoking events included suspicion of illicit relations, talking back and inadequate home care. Common reactions reported by the women included staying quiet, crying and resistance.