ADOLESCENTS’ SOCIAL REPRESENTATION ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ABSTRACT: This qualitative study was held with the objective of analyzing the adolescentes’ social representation about domestic violence. It involved eighteen high school students in Passo Fundo – RS. Through some prejecting techniques and semi-structured interviews, it was possible to notice that the violence representation is a present phenomenon in the society and it is supported by the use of drugs, personal defence with the use of guns and by the antisocial behaviour. The domestic violence is represented as an attitude of escape and defence, harmful, intentional and unpunished and as a legitimate trivialization. This representation is supported by the sensation of abandonment and rejection and it should be overcome through the search of a multi-dimensional way to introduce new practices and socially acceptable behaviour. KEYWORDS: Violence; Adolescence; Public Health