Psychological scars of domestic violence: analyses of life stories of women from urban communities

Abstract

Domestic violence is a serious social problem and can be considered as a result of the inability and lack of preparation of the family members in managing everyday problems, a challenge for the State to protect women socially, in spite of the Maria da Penha Law. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the life stories of low income women in relation to their domestic violence experiences. The sample was composed of 28 women participants in the CoopAction Social Program. The qualitative approach was selected as a methodological perspective; the questionnaire was based on semi-structured guidelines and the life stories were used as data collection techniques. The data were thematically categorized and submitted to content analysis. The results highlighted aggressive actions and behaviors mentioned in the women’s life stories. One believes that this situation will be overcome only by means of a joint action by the society and the State that will allow profound changes in the gender relations. Thus, it is necessary to change the relations experienced by women, as well as the information and resources available to them and to recognize their social and professional value, aiming to overcome the conditions f exclusion and violence to which these women are exposed.

Keywords – Domestic violence. Gender and social exclusion.