IT WAS HER WHO STARTED! PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER VIOLENCE BY MEN AND FACILITATORS FROM A REFLECTIVE GROUP IN SERRA CATARINENSE

Gender violence against women is a serious social problem and a violation of human rights. Despite advances in legislation for the prevention of gender violence, as well as the punishment of perpetrators of violence, there is still a significant challenge to be addressed. Research indicates that working restoratively and preventively with men is a path to reducing violence rates. One of the main strategies for this work is Gender Reflective Groups (GRG). The aim of this study was to understand the narratives of participants and facilitators of a reflective group on gender violence against women in the city of Lages, Santa Catarina. A qualitative study was conducted in which six people were interviewed, two male perpetrators of violence and four facilitators (2 men and 2 women). The collected data was transcribed and analyzed from the perspective of narrative analysis. The results point to promising paths in the use of GRGs, although men continue to have discourses of blaming and stigmatizing women, as well as difficulty changing violent behavior. Access to these spaces allowed them to reflect on their actions and discuss their prejudices and constructions of masculinity, enabling changes in thinking and behavior. For the facilitators, the relevance of the gender reflective group as a safe space for speech, reflection, and addressing violence is notable