Our understanding of children of battered women and their responses to violence is developing. Children's responses vary. Although some children manifest signs of distress, anxiety, and worry, others are able to overcome the deleterious effects of family violence with the help of inner resources and the support of caring people. Knowledge of these factors offer suggestions for nursing practice with battered women and their children. Nurses who care for battered women and their children must seek them out, listen, offer information, encouragement, and understanding.