The family as a (re)producer of violence: contributions of psychology to Law

Abstract

Although legally tasked with protecting children and adolescents, the family can be a risk factor and (re)produce violence among its members. The aim of this investigation was to a) explore, from the perspective of Psychology, the reasons why legislators have assigned an important protective role to families, b) identify what is expected from families in the context of protection and care, and c) investigate the circumstances in which families assume a risk or protective role. To this end, 12 narrative interviews were conducted to gather life stories from adults who experienced intrafamilial emotional violence during childhood or adolescence, focusing on the following aspects: manifestations of violence, motivations of perpetrators, support networks, and coping strategies. The interviews were systematized using the phenomenological method and analyzed based on Bioecological Theory. Family violence was analyzed systematically, considering individual, relational, and contextual aspects. It was revealed that parents and other cohabitants frequently perpetuate emotional, physical, and sexual violence. The main motivations for these acts included generational repetition of violent behavioral patterns, parental marital problems, maternal overload and paternal absence, as well as socioeconomic issues. The need for interdisciplinary approaches to understand intrafamilial violence against children and adolescents is highlighted.