This exploratory, retrospective study was performed at the Pousada de Maria lodging in Curitiba, Brazil in 2007, with the objective of characterizing the profile of the violence practiced against women staying at Pousada de Maria from 1993 to 2007. Data collection was performed by analyzing 886 records of the victims' registration and transcribed to an instrument formulated for the study. The victims were between 18 and 88 years old, with low education; they suffered physical, psychological, sexual and structural violence, mainly by their partners and acquaintances. They lived with violence to maintain their family union and decided to resolve the situation when they had access to social programs and shelters. Violence is a common phenomenon among single women with incomplete primary education; 24.6% suffered physical violence, 24.15% psychological, and 14.22% structural violence. Single women, whether in a common-law relationship or married, should be considered as an at-risk group and worthy subjects of attention by health professionals when planning preventive actions.
Domestic violence; Violence against woman; Public health
