The study situates women's experiences of domestic violence in the contexts of post-war social policy and welfare developments and prevailing ideas and ideologies about women and the family. It is intended to help academics, policymakers and practitioners, women, historians of women and the welfare state, and others improve the status of women and combat domestic violence. The study is based on interviews with women and their sons and daughters and with other agencies and organizations. Interviews revealed a general lack of information and knowledge on the part of respondents about domestic violence during the period in question. Despite the development of the post-war welfare state in Great Britain and some general improvements in the position of women, women often encountered painful and tragic life situations and were subjected to domestic violence. The new welfare state actually reinforced traditional roles for men and women in many ways, and prevailing ideas about marriage and motherhood gave women few options. All respondents welcomed the improvements in services for abused women since the 1970's. The impact of domestic violence on the respondents is detailed in terms of loyalty to husbands, staying in the marriage for the sake of the children, pride and resistance, emotional and psychological effects, and lasting pain. 51 references