Abstract PERCEPTIONS OF VIOLENCE IN A FORMER SLUM IN BRAZIL: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION By

Background: This qualitative study focused on violence as perceived by residents of the slum (favela) of Vila Nova located in the outskirts of Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. At the time of this study, Vila Nova had existed for approximately 20 years, its underpriviledged residents having come to Brasilia from other states in search of a better life for their families. The researcher conducted a focus group interview in 2008 that revealed residents of the favela lived in a constant state of alert and fear due to the emergence of violence. Objective: The aim of this study was to gain insight into violence as a shared concern among Vila Nova residents. The researcher sought to explore the question, What is the lived experience of violence among underpriviledged residents of the favela of Vila Nova in Brasilia, Brazil? Methodology: The researcher used a qualitative research methodology informed by a phenomenological approach to inquire about the shared experiences of violence as perceived by residents of Vila Nova. The method of qualitative inquiry was appropriate for this study as the researcher sought to elicit the meaning that favela residents associated with the violence they perceived and experienced. Consistent with a phenomenological approach, the researcher conducted in-depth, open-ended interviews with eleven favela residents in an effort t