This study tested the learned helplessness theory, stress theory, and a modified stress theory to determine the best model for predicting the probability that a woman would seek help when she experienced severe violence from a male partner. The probability was hypothesized to increase as the stress of the violence experienced increased. Data were obtained from a national probability sample of 3,665 married or cohabiting women. Subjects responded to the Decision to Seek Help measure, the Conflict Tactics Scale to measure violence by the male partner, and several modifying resources and characteristics. Data analysis revealed no evidence to indicate the presence of learned helplessness among the battered women in the sample. Sixty-eight percent of the women who had experienced severe violence sought help one or more times for personal problems and the predicted probability of seeking help for high levels of severe violence was .77. While age, education, occupation, fear of being hit, having parents who hit each other, and depression were all found to influence the probability of seeking help, the amount of severe violence experienced was the primary factor in the woman's decision to seek help. A stress model of help-seeking was supported by the data. The findings suggest a needed change in the image of the battered woman from weak and passive to active and help-seeking. Appendixes include indexes for help-seeking, severe violence, and depression; provided also are four data tables and eight figures. (Author/NB)