The problem of protection for women refugees has been a particular concern to refugee policy- makers. It is because women refugees are vulnerable to violations of their basic human rights, physical and sexual violence, discrimination and other forms of injustice. Nonetheless, the lived experience of abused women refugees is under researched. Hence, this study describes the lived experience of abused Eritrean women refugees in Shimelba refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia. Quditative phenomenological study is used to undertake this research. Accordingly it employed in depth interview with 10 purposely selected participants. The data from these interviews were analyzed by using thematic data analysis technique. The findings of the study indicate that military conscription, arbitrary detention and absence of education were the major reasons for flight. All of the participants crossed the border on foot. Female smugglers play a significant role in facilitating the journey of abused women refugees. Sexual abuse, sexual torture, physical abuse, psychological abuse and structural abuse are the types of abuse, faced by Eritrean women refugees with their respective consequences. Irregular union, religious practice, scheming for families and relatives, involving in petty trades, change of refugee camp to renegotiate identity and cohabitation had been identified as coping mechanisms to deal with the abusive experience. Albeit participants are passing through different adverse life situations, they have strengths against the ordeals. Thus, hope, survivors pride, remittance and individual skills are identified as the strength of participants. The findings inform social work practitioners to understand the multifaceted challenges faced by abused women refugees. Furthermore the findings also inform organizations which are dealing with refugees, about the strengths of abused women refugees .~/ Abstract which may serve as a springboard for appropriate intervention.