ABSTRACT
The purpose of this qualitative research was to present and discuss the application of the Double-bind Theory to marital violence. Three double-bind criteria were considered: (a) Relationshipof immense emotional value, (b) Paradoxical messages;(c) Impossibility toreflect about the relationship. The methodological strategy consisted in reading the book But he says he loves me..., answering a questionnaire and participating in a group reflection. Twenty women referred by the Judicial System participated in the research. Analyses of the titles women attributed to their stories generated four categories: Ambiguity offeelings; Partner's promises; Confirmation of the violent reality; Prospect of a new life. This research-intervention facilitated the reflection of women regarding their condition and served as a tool to improve risk assessment.
Keywords:
marital violence, gender, systemic theory, double-bind; research- intervention