title: [The configuration of the social network of women living in domestic violence situations].
abstract: This article presents the configuration of the social network of women living in domestic violence situations in a city in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Interviews were conducted with 9 women and 8 professionals, in addition to observation in three institutions which constitute the network for protection of women. The analysis was underpinned by the theoretical assumptions of social networks. Results show that violence inflicted upon women by their partners make them unable to establish and maintain social bonds, and thus face isolation and ostracism. Professionals and institutions can play a vital role for getting women out of the cycle of violence provided that care networks and services are well organized. Further studies of social networks, focusing on the nature of the links and exchanges among actors may contribute to acquiring knowledge about the relationship dynamics in situation of violence.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04038-034. mldutrabr@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Maria de Lourdes
authors.initials: Mde L
authors.lastname: Dutra
authors.forename: Paula Licursi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Prates
authors.forename: Eunice
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Wilza Vieira
authors.initials: WV
authors.lastname: Villela
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse