This article intends to understand family violence based on concepts developed by psychoanalysis. Violence, in this context, is understood as a physical expression of love and hate, disconnected from interest in life and in truth. When it happens, emotional experience appears in a wild and terrifying state. Unconscious structures which accomodate a vicious dynamic between violence and defence against recognizing it are discussed. This paper also stresses the need for an adequate professional trainning in order to help the reconstitution of mental functions which link emotional experiences to growth and development.
Psychoanalysis; Violence; Growth; Development