Implications for men of separation from their children due to emergency protective measure

Abstract

Objective: To unveil the implications for men of father-son estrangement as a result of a protective measure for conjugal violence. Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, developed with nine men who were responding to a lawsuit for conjugal violence at the 1st and 2nd Courts of Justice of the Peace in Casa de Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The research took place through a semi-structured interview, with its content recorded, transcribed and then submitted for validation by the men. Data were systematized based on the steps recommended by the categorical thematic content analysis. Results: The study reveals that the father-son estrangement as a result of an emergency protective measure causes paternal bond rupture, promoting the development of psycho-emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, often somatized and expressed from headache to conditions that require hospital care. Conclusion: The commitment to the exercise of paternity also violates the right of children and adolescents to live with their father figure. Thus, there is a great need for the Brazilian National Policy for Comprehensive Care for Men’s Health to include a management that prioritizes preventive actions against violence as well as providing psychosocial support to men.