This study sought to investigate and analyze the conceptions of professionals from family health teams regarding violence against women and care practice, through participant research, undertaken in a city located in the northwest region of the state of Río Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 30 professionals participated, in eight meetings, involving a process of reflection and learning, held in September - December 2012. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The professionals understand that violence against women exists due to the hierarchy and the relationships between men and women, which confers more power on men, a situation which legitimates male practice of violence. The care practice is based on a biological conception of the problem, with a tendency to the social. The care is directed towards the treatment of physical injuries, listening, guidance, denunciation, and referral to specialized health departments and the social service.
Violence against women; Health personnel; Family health; Care