REDISCOVERY OF MOTHERHOOD BY WOMEN VICTIMS OFDOMESTIC VIOLENCE: AN EXISTENTIAL POSSIBILITY

Abstract

This ia a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach, developed from October to December 2008 with five women victims of domestic violence living in a shelter house in Curitiba, Parana State. It aimed to reveal the meaning of having lived in a home shelter for women victims of violence. Data were collected through interviews, and by the analysis of its theme emerged the following category Rediscovery of motherhood by women victims of domestic violence: an existential possibility. The undertaken path made it possible to realize that women victims of violence have difficulty in the relation with their children when they live with the abuser, because the violent act modifies their being in the world, making them aggressive and less sensitive. Motherhood is a role and it was rediscovered and relearned because women have found a welcoming and harmonious environment that gave the existential reflection between past and present, and also the rescue of self-esteem and self-image.

Keywords

• Nursing
• Domestic violence
• Public Health