Social Worker in the Care of Women Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

This paper aims to narrate, based on the literature, elements of social work intervention in combating domestic violence against women. It is a narrative review of the literature on violence against women and the role of social workers in this context. The results point to descriptions, concepts, history, and epidemiological data (profile of the abused woman and the abuser) of domestic violence against women in Brazil; and relate social work and its professional intervention in domestic violence against women. There has been undeniable progress in the conception of women, especially legal progress aimed at guaranteeing their rights and protection—although it is still necessary to advance in terms of cultural traits and the influence of machismo under the patriarchal bias in Brazilian society. Laws such as the Maria da Penha Law are considered relevant legal and ideological milestones in the process of women's struggle and empowerment. It is also worth mentioning the undeniable ethnic-racial and social component in which most women victims of violence are inserted. Given such complexity, the work of social workers faces the challenge of adding guidance and contributing to the process of empowering these women, enforcing the precepts contained in the profession's code of ethics, which guide their interventions to implement the profession's ethical-political project.