The aim of this study was to carry out a survey of the cases seen by the psychological service of a women's police station unit, in a city in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2008. The empirical sample consists of 351 women aged between 12 and 78. The types of violence perpetrated included physical, psychological and/or sexual abuse against women or their children. The existence of previous violence, in the victims' and aggressors' families of origin, was observed. The data collected corroborated studies that demonstrate that the majority of the cases of violence against women occur in their own homes. It was also noted that the use of alcohol or drugs and the occurrence of previous violence in the families can be pointed to as risk factors. The importance is emphasized of prevention and intervention projects for this population.
Women; Public policy; Forense psychology; Violence against Women
