In my master’s thesis, I explored the complex problem situations of mothers with children living in safe houses. I was interested in the factors that influence the decision to leave a violent environment and enter a safe house, as well as the psychological, social, economic, legal, and practical struggles that service users face during their stay. I also examined how they experience everyday life, their parental role, and support within the safe house. Special attention was given to the role of children in the process of leaving, their experience of living in a safe house, and differences related to children’s age. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven women who were living in a safe house with their children at the time of the research. The collected data were analysed using qualitative analysis, including open and axial coding. The main findings show that the decision to leave a violent relationship is generally not sudden, but develops over a longer period marked by violence, increasing danger, concern for children, and the gradual realisation that the situation is no longer sustainable. Children emerged as an important reason for leaving, while at the same time representing an additional source of concern and responsibility. Living in a safe house provides users with protection, support, and the beginning of recovery, however, it also brings new struggles related to uncertainty, finances, legal proceedings, communal living, and the process of becoming independent. The users identified conversations, professional guidance, practical assistance, and a supportive relationship with professional workers as the most important forms of help.
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