This work was carried out in the city of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul) and studied low-income families from Partenon district. The families sample was selected by a local Children and Teenager Council, taking into account some kind of offense they have committed such as: intra-family violence, adolescents' runaway, drug addiction, school absenteeism and rape. The families attended a group during nine fortnight evening meetings, from August to September 1997. Paintings, music, photos and drama were used in the workshops. Researches improved families' healthy aspects; introduced limits on violent behavior and helped people to improve their self-esteem. Eleven families were followed (33 people). Three families attended only the first meeting; five families felt better at the end of the process and three could not be helped. Researchers believe that groups like this could be helpful to cope with domestic violence.
Child and Adolescent Abuse; Mental Health Promotion