This report is a brief introduction to the findings of a research project that examined the impact of abuse on women's literacy learning and explored approaches to literacy programming in the light of these impacts. Interviews were conducted with literacy workers, learners, and counselors to determine the impact of abuse they saw in their work and how literacy programs could address the impact of violence. Following an introduction there is a section that discusses violence and trauma. The next section covers the issues of control, connection, and meaning and how they can be incorporated into a literacy program. The connections between literacy and therapy are then explored. Next an examination is made of new possibilities for literacy practice in light of the impact that violence can have on learning. The last section discusses how to create balance among mind, body, emotion, and spirit through literacy programs. All of these sections are followed by a list of possible actions that can be taken by literacy programs and organizations. (ADT)