Motivation of physical violence against children from the point of view of aggressive caregivers

Abstract

This is qualitative research and the objective is to study the physical violence on children, from the point of view of abusive parents or guardians. Mothers and guardians formally reported for child and teenager abuse were questioned.The study was done with the support and intervention of the Famílias Acolhedoras Program, from Gerência de Proteção Especial - GEP (Special Protection Department) linked to the Municipal Association of Social Assistance of the Belo Horizonte City Hall. The size of the sample was defined by the saturation criterion, according to which the interviews are concluded when the information ends. This is verified when concepts keep repeating. There were twelve people in the sample. Data collection was done through a semi-structured interview. Given that behavior, feelings, opinions and attitudes are based on social interactions through language, this paper sought examples of the object of the study in the group, that is, physical violence in childhood. The theoretical and methodological bases of social representation were used. The authors consider that physical violence against children by their own parents/guardians goes against the act of taking care, since care means attention, zeal and affective involvement. It was shown that physical punishment is a fairly common practice, and even approved by society.