Labor and domestic violence: an investigation from victim support groups on Facebook

Abstract

Statistics reveal a correlation between being a woman and being a victim of violence. Domestic violence is one example, and its aggravating factor is that it is perpetrated by men who have an affectionate relationship with the woman and is considered restricted to the private sphere. In addition, research shows that working women are more likely to be victimized than those who do not have a job. Therefore, this study analyzes the adversities working women face in situations of domestic violence, especially related to their working conditions and work relationships. A qualitative methodology was used through semi-structured interviews. The interviewees’ reports revealed that the disorders caused by violence are both more evident (loss of labor performance and opportunities for professional advancement, need to be absent, illness, etc.) and less apparent (externalized from the feeling of loss). We also show that they do not consider their work as belonging to the support network capable of helping them to free themselves from violence.

Keywords:
Domestic violence; Gender violence; Labor relations