Risk and protection indicators in physically abusive families

Abstract

This article analyses risk and protection factors identified in families with a history of parental physical abuse. Twenty families of low socioeconomic level participated in this study. The data were obtained through a semi-structured interview and ecological insertion. The risk indicators found were related to: 1) the different roles in the family; 2) pathologies; 3) educative practices; and, 4) aggressive behaviors. The protection indicators are related to: 1) the network of social and affective support; 2) achievements valorization; and, 3) the wish of future improvement. The conclusion is that the risk indicators are severe and diversified, acting many times on a intense way in the familiar context. Thereby, they can allow the use of physical strength in parents-children relations, at the same time that protection indicators are not totally to inhibit such action. These risk and protection indicators can be comprehended as important instruments for the analysis and implementation of educational and health actions that seek the prevention and inhibition of intrafamily violence.