This qualitative study's objective was to analyze the process of identification of conjugal violence by professionals from the Family Health Strategy in São Francisco do Conde/Salvador, Bahia. Interviews were held with 22 professionals (doctors, nurses, social workers and dentists) and, after analysis of the data, the following categories emerged: (Non-) identification of conjugal violence in the Family Health Team; Perception of the violence being restricted to physical aggression; The scale and complexity of the conjugal violence; and Breaking the silence in the Family Health Team. The study showed that identification of conjugal violence occurs during professional assistance. Failure to identify the phenomenon is related to the curriculums which do not cover domestic violence as a health object. This points to the importance of a listening and trusting relationship in the process of identifying this threat to health. It is necessary to adopt strategies for confronting the problem, along with better preparation of professionals, which would give greater visibility to the issue.
Violence against women; Women's health; Family health; Nursing