This paper sought to understand the perceptions of pediatric residents confronted with domestic violence against children and adolescents (DVCA). A qualitative study was conducted among 67 residents within nine of the 15 programs in the municipality of São Paulo, using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with nine subjects. Almost all of the subjects expressed fear and characterized their training as insufficient. The individuals' words suggested discrimination and unfamiliarity towards other people, thus characterizing a situation in which different societies appear threatening. Diagnosing DVCA was the pediatric role most recognized by the interviewees. Although half of them cited notifications, few were doing so through medical reports. There are many points about care for children at risk of violence requiring better understanding. Questions from residents, such as fear, need to be considered so that they are able to recognize such children's characteristics and perform their role better.
Badly treated children; Medical ethics; Medical education; Medical Residence; Domestic violence