Structural Characteristics and Functions of Significant Social Networks of Women Who Have Stayed in Shelters

Abstract The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the structural characteristics and functions of the significant social networks of women subjected to violence, after their stay in a shelter. Six women admitted to a shelter in southern Brazil participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews and Network Maps were used for data collection. Data were organized and analyzed according to Grounded Theory, using the software Atlas.ti 7.0. Medium and large networks were found, with a high degree of affective proximity and the predominance of family members. The main functions were Emotional Support, and Cognitive Guidance and Advice. Participants were considerably empowered by reactivating their significant social networks and resignifying the quality of their relational bond with them. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo qualitativo foi compreender as características estruturais e funções das redes sociais significativas de mulheres que sofreram violência, após a passagem por uma casa-abrigo. Participaram seis mulheres que haviam sido acolhidas numa casa-abrigo da região Sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada e o Mapa de Redes. A organização e análise dos dados ocorreram com base na Grounded Theory e contou com o auxílio do software Atlas.ti 7.0. Observaram-se redes de tamanho médio e grande, com maior grau de proximidade afetiva e predomínio de membros da família. As principais funções foram apoio emocional e guia cognitivo e de conselhos. Destaca-se o empoderamento das participantes em reativar e ressignificar a qualidade do vínculo relacional com suas redes sociais significativas.