ATTACHMENT PATTERNS OF WOMEN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

Intimate partner violence against women is increasing in Brazil, bringing significant implications for victims as well as for the broader social, safety, and public health contexts. Given the relevance of this issue, the present study aimed to understand the dynamics of affective relationships throughout the life trajectories of women victims of domestic violence assisted by CREAS (Specialized Social Assistance Reference Center) in a city in Northern Santa Catarina. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with two women. Data collection instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire and narrative interviews. The data were analyzed based on the principles of content analysis, which resulted in four categories, with their respective subcategories and analytical elements. The findings indicated that childhood experiences with attachment figures may influence romantic relationships in adulthood. However, domestic violence is a complex phenomenon that must be understood through multiple interconnected factors, including cultural and gender-related issues.