FAMILY VIOLENCE AGAINST THE CHILD AND THE MATERNAL LOVE MYTH: CONTRIBUTIONS TO NURSING

Abstract

Aim: discuss the myth of maternal love in cases of domestic violence where the mother is the main aggressor. Method: qualitative descriptive research based on Sensible Creative Method. Data production occurred in two institutions located in the southern Brazil from June to July 2008. Data production occurred through the dynamics of creativity and sensitivity: Play in Scene and Body Knowledge with four school-aged children. Results: pointed out that the mother as the primary aggressor, and physical violence was more frequent. Final Considerations: from the paradox of the primary caregiver be the aggressor also brings up the idea that the unconditional maternal love is not innate, but a conception that is historically and culturally constructed. We recommend a nursing intervention that includes the family, nuclear and extended, with the family as the center of the care that should be based on morals and ethics.