The Significant Social Networks of Women Who Have Resided in Shelters

• Main Authors: Scheila Krenkel, Carmen Leontina Ojeda Ocampo Moré, Cibele Cunha Lima da Motta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de São Paulo 2015-04-01
• Series: Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto)
• Subjects: redes sociales; violencia contra la mujer; violencia domestica; enfrentamiento
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-863X2015000100125&lng=en&tlng=en

The social and institutional support networks structured around women who suffer violence are strategic tools when coping with the phenomenon, which is considered a public health problem. This qualitative study was aimed at understanding the relational dynamics of significant social networks of women who have experienced family violence and have resided in a shelter. A group of 12 women participated in the study and data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and the social networks map. Data analysis was based on Grounded Theory and performed using the software Atlas.ti 5.0. The results revealed that the significant social networks were important sources of help and support in the process of coping with violence experienced by women. Results also showed that the persons in the social networks develop multiple functions and present an increasing level of relational commitment to women, especially after they leave the shelter.