Abstract
Limited knowledge is available on the factors that contribute to women’s help-seeking after domestic violence
in South Africa. Qualitative research conducted with seventeen abused women in shelters in South Africa
indicate that the best interests of children are influential both in women’s decisions to stay in abusive
relationships and to seek help. The personal decisions of women to seek help are influenced by powerful social
discourses on the best interests of the child. Policy and practice that advocate for the best interests of the child
need to prioritize the safety of both mothers and their children in domestic violence situations.