Social support networks for women in situations of violence by an intimate partner

Abstract

Objective: to analyze social network and types of support for women in situations of violence by an intimate partner. Method: qualitative and analytical research, anchored in the Sanicola Social Network Theory. The social actors were 20 women who experienced partner violence who were interviewed at a Specialized Care Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A semi-structured and individual instrument was used. In order to elaborate a map of the social network, the women were asked to help the researcher in the production of a representative drawing of their relations with people and institutions in the context of violence. The theoretical approach allowed an understanding of the social relational dynamics faced by which women regarding violence. The statements were organized by the content analysis method. Results: the primary social network of women was composed of children, siblings, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and friends who provided emotional and material support. The secondary network was represented by the services and information support obtained in the hospital, health center, specialized care center and police station. The women had greater proximity and stronger bonds with children, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law; kept distance from their parents and had conflicting bonds in their relationship with the intimate partner. Conclusion: discontinuous or fragile bonds for the most part, were identified with elements of the primary network; and the normal or strong, with the secondary network. Women are distant from the members of the primary network and close to the secondary network, establishing bonds through welcoming and resolute attention. The social network map built with women was determinant for support intervention for self-esteem.