This study investigated the experiences of women subjected to domestic violence with a particular focus on violence during pregnancy and implications for the mother-child relationship. This is an area of increasing attention in health settings as the potential impact on, %vomen and children has been well established. Specific aims of the study were to investigate the impact of violence during pregnancy on women and their children and to assess whether the risk of child abuse is increased. In addition, the impact of violence on the mother-child relationship and the role of maternal mental health were investigated. Fifty-two women took part in the study, 28 of whom had experienced domestic violence; over half of these experienced violence during pregnancy. In addition to the questionnaire-based study, four women who had experienced domestic violence during pregnancy also took part in a semi-structured interview. The main findings highlighted an increased risk of child abuse in domestic violence cases but the risk was not increased in relation to violence in pregnancy. In addition, women who experienced domestic violence were more likely to perceive their child to be at risk from abuse. An increased prevalence of physical and mental health problems during pregnancy was found in women who experienced violence during the pregnancy. Domestic violence was associated with higher levels of maternal distress and child agency involvement. A mediation analysis of the mother-child relationship revealed that maternal distress was the stronger predictor of the quality of the relationship, although the experience of violence was also an important factor. Implications of the findings, limitations of the study and future research directions are discussed.