Only recently has the extent and seriousness of the phenomenon of domestic violence been acknowledged, and its consequences, that are not only psychological, but also social and economical have started to be seriously investigated because of long-term consequences such as alcoholism, drug-addiction, depression, job absenteeism, incapacity to raise children, etc.The purpose of the research was to extend knowledge of the interpersonal dynamics of mistreated women by examining the characterizing emotions described by a group of women involved in violent marital relationships. Subjects were a little group of 12 women, users of a Centre for Mistreated women in Rome (Italy) that volunteered to participate in the study. Their age ranged from 24 to 50. Most had children under 18.The method included different instruments: The Adult Attachment Interview (M.Main,1998), and a free report concerning the beginning and the development of the mistreating relationship. The self report was introduced by five questions in which subjects were asked to compare their relationship to a tree, a colour, an animal, a house, a type of music.