Purpose: This study examined substance use problems among women residing at a domestic violence shelter in Austin, TX. Prior studies have examined substance abuse among survivors of intimate partner abuse who were in substance abuse treatment programs. There is a shortage of studies on substance abusing women in domestic violence shelters.Methods: Data were collected during structured interviews with eligible women residing at a domestic violence shelter in Austin, Texas. A total of 101 women were interviewed and included in this analysis. Convenience sampling was used to identify women willing to participate in the study. Participants were recruited through their caseworkers at the shelter as well as flyers and posters describing the study. Each participant received a $20 grocery store gift card as compensation for their time. Women were eligible to participate if they were over 18 years of age, understood and spoke English and reported substance use based on their responses to the CAGE‐AID. One positive response to a CAGE‐AID question qualified the woman to participate in this study.Findings: Preliminary results show high rates of substance abuse and dependence. Nearly 60% of the women interviewed were alcohol dependent and 55% were drug dependent. Marital status, race and age were found to be predictors of alcohol and drug use. Additional analysis showed that the victims’ substance use was not related to the severity or extent of physical and non‐physical violence.Conclusions: These results reveal a strong need for substance abuse intervention for women who enter domestic violence shelters.