The study is a qualitative systematic literature study that maps existing research on help-seeking barriers for abused women. The purpose of the study was to identify which help-seeking barriers exist. Violence in a close relationship is a worldwide problem. It affects every third woman at some point in her life. Despite several measures to counteract and prevent violence, the statistics rather show an increase. Social agencies work hard with various information campaigns, and research has come a long way in mapping and understanding how violence in close relationships works. Various action programs have been launched to counteract harmful gender norms, and unhealthy masculinity norms. Men's violence against women, even if we call it violence in close relationships, stems from patriarchal societies and values, where control and the need for power constitute a strong driving force for men. The violence is usually of an escalating nature, and lasts for a long time. Violence can take the form of physical, psychological, sexual and material violence, and through systematic combinations of these, the man restricts his female victim's freedom of action and controls her behavior. There are various explanatory models for acts of violence, the most common of which are the need to control the woman and maintain the position of power as a man. Despite preventive work, efforts and information campaigns, knowledge-seeking and outreach from social services, women's shelters and the police, the problem remains. Why do women not seek help? The result of our study were several barriers, which have been divided into different themes, including barriers based on stigma, and various structural barriers, among others. The thematization has then been analyzed on the basis of selected psychological and sociological theories. We present suggestions for future research, and provide an overall picture of the research which is reviewed.