The responses of 632 Michigan residents to a public opinion survey showed that the respondents thought that children’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is damaging to children but that mothers who seek outside help should not lose custody of their children. Two thirds believed that mothers who are victimized by IPV more than once and do not immediately find a way to stop the violence are neglectful. The findings suggest the need for education about ways to support children without holding mothers to unreasonable expectations.