Social network and social support for families involved in domestic violence against children and adolescents: experiences from Brazil

The World Health Organization highlights the importance of the ecological model to understand and address the violence, considering it a multifactorial problem, in the interaction of four levels - individual, relationship,... [ view full abstract ]

The World Health Organization highlights the importance of the ecological model to understand and address the violence, considering it a multifactorial problem, in the interaction of four levels - individual, relationship, community and societal. Therefore, it indicates the look for the family context, where there is violence against children and adolescents, not just for these actors. Besides this, the literature notes the need to focus on the larger contexts where the families are inserted in. The aim of this study was to analyze the social support and social network for the families involved in violence against children and adolescents in Brazil. The research had a qualitative approach, anchored by Paradigm of Complexity. The data collection was carried out from documentary research; individual social network minimal maps; and semi-structured interviews with 15 families of children and adolescents accompanied by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Data analysis was directed by understanding and contextualization of data through the following steps: classification and organization of the information collected; organization of references; and establishment of relationships between data collected. The social networks for the families were reduced, with fragile and nonexistent bonds. Besides this, the social networks were slightly dense and homogeneous. The social support emerged mainly from the NGO, with material, affective and informative changes. There were affective support from some others family members. The material support emerged from a financial support program, as well. There weren´t bonds in others sectors. This study concludes the intersectoral and interinstitutional care for families and their children involved in domestic violence are still as a challenge. New researches from others realities could be relevant for compare the results and develop knowledge, practices and public policies to cope this phenomenon and empower the families and communities.