Purpose <p> While domestic violence (DV) is acknowledged as a significant concern in Saudi Arabia and has been the focus of increasing legal and institutional responses, little attention has been paid to how Saudi women perceive and respond to domestic violence within their societal setting. This study investigates women’s subjective interpretations of domestic violence and the underlying factors and cultural influences that shape their experiences.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Eight semi-structured interviews with Saudi women were conducted and analyzed using reflective theme analysis, with a focus on both reported experiences and their interpretations within cultural and societal contexts.</p> Results <p>Participants’ accounts demonstrated a persistent struggle between internal recognition of abuse as detrimental and external forces that normalized endurance while discouraging resistance. Three main themes emerged: (1) Navigating Progressive Violence; (2) Struggling with Internal and Socio-cultural Pressures; and (3) Resisting and Reclaiming the Self.</p> Conclusions <p>Saudi women’s stories demonstrate both the endurance of established norms and the emergence of new ways to challenge them. This study highlights the value of qualitative methods in capturing how women navigate contradictions between cultural expectations and shifting opportunities under Vision 2030. The findings provide a culturally grounded foundation for interventions that strengthen women’s agency, encourage open communication, and address both individual and systemic dimensions of domestic violence.</p>