This study examines domestic violence through focus group interviews with women residing in domestic violence shelters in Indiana. The issues explored include, but are not limited to, barriers to receiving help, women's experiences within abusive relationships, and residential program strengths and weaknesses. Three types of fear, (1) fear of the abuser, (2) fear of the unknown, and (3) fear of being alone, are found to be determining factors for the women staying in the abusive relationship as well as making the decision to leave. The women's advice to other women in abusive relationships and their suggestions for improving services provided by residential programs are provided.