Intimate partner violence is a multifaceted phenomenon that has serious individual and societal consequences. Previous research has shown that many women who experience violence either delay or refrain from leaving a relationship and seeking formal support. The present study aimed to investigate the factors that influence women's decision to leave a violent relationship and seek support. The study has aimed to deepen the knowledge of the factors that prevent or motivate women exposed to violence to leave and seek help. The method in this study has been a systematic literature study where 20 articles on women exposed to violence were reviewed and analyzed using thematic analysis method. The results of the study show that stigma, socio-cultural factors, emotional factors, lack of personal resources and lack of social support are key barriers to women's ability to leave a violent relationship and seek support. Furthermore, the results of the study show that concerns about children's wellbeing, fear of negative impact on health and the access to a supportive social network are significant motivations in women's choice to leave and seek support for a violent relationship. Drawing on a comprehensive theoretical framework the study findings emphasize the complex interaction between individual, relational and societal factors shaping women's ability to leave and seek support for a violent relationship. In conclusion, the study's findings show that women's leaving and help-seeking are both hindered and motivated by a range of individual, relational and structural factors. This research thus contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted nature of domestic violence and provides valuable insights for improving social work with women experiencing violence.