Domestic violence and child abuse frequently occur in the same family, and children who witness violence within their families may be at risk of developing various developmental problems. Consequently, child welfare and domestic violence programs serve an overlapping population of women and children. Many studies indicate that men who batter their female partners also abuse their children. In addition, it is estimated that between 3.3 and 10 million children in the United States are at risk of witnessing abuse of women each year and that half of these children may also experience abusive treatment themselves. Research shows that males perpetrate the most severe forms of child abuse and that between 43 and 70 percent of battered women eventually end their relationships with violent partners. Although child welfare and protection work is commonly focused on the best interests of children, battered women's advocates argue that these interests are defined to narrowly and that children should keep their mothers safe. On the other hand, the language used in the movement to end violence against women often leaves out the children. Despite tensions between child welfare and battered women's programs, commonalities seem far greater than differences, particularly with regard to battered women's concerns for their children and the importance of supporting the mother-child unit. The experiences of two families are described to illustrate the need for collaboration between child welfare and battered women's services.