Elements which precipitate conjugal violence: the discourse of men in criminal prosecution

Unveiling the precipitating elements of conjugal violence based on the discourse of men undergoing criminal prosecution. This is a qualitative study developed in a Domestic Violence and Family Violence Campaign against Women from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We interviewed 23 men. The following central ideas emerged: children and family interference; change in woman's behavior; feeling of ownership; discovery of extramarital affairs of women; absence of marital sexual intercourse; and use of alcohol and other drugs by men. Several elements precipitate marital violence according to the mens' discourse. Knowing these elements can subsidize actions for preventing the phenomenon, especially from implementing peaceful conflict resolution strategies.