Aplicação da teoria do Elo nos casos de violência doméstica no Centro Especializado de Atendimento á Mulher em Macaé-RJ

Abstract

Link's theory approaches the connection between animal abuse and violence against people, making animals “sentinels” in a troubled environment. The objective of the study was to verify the feasibility of using Link's theory, testing its applicability at Specialized Center for Assistance to Women (CEAM). Interviews were conducted with 16 women victims of domestic violence in their first visits at CEAM/Macaé-RJ from October to December 2019. The interviews were composed of questions: characteristics of the animal, the bond between the animal and the aggressor and type of mistreatment suffered; on some aspects related to freedoms: nutritional, environmental, health, behavioral and psychological and individual patterns (forms of direct aggression against the animal). The reports showed that 87,5% (14/16) of aggressions reached the domestic animals, with a higher prevalence of “physical violence”: 43,8% (7/16) and 31,6% (12/38) of the children were directly encouraged to practice violence against animals by the aggressors; 5,2% (2/38) of those children have already killed animals. Despite the aggression to animals, none of the women failed to seek help against domestic violence out of concern for the animal. These animals didn’t have veterinary assistance in most cases: 68,8% (11/16), among the reports, the most observed causes for the aggressor's ban 27,5% (3/11) and the deaths of animals: 27,3% (3/11). Link’s theory is applicable in cases of domestic violence as evidenced in this study, emphasizing that the fight against the violence cycle is multisectoral with the participation of multidisciplinary teams involving the veterinarian.