Introduction

The problem of violence against women is widespread in every society. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact upon the self-esteem of women victims of violence.

Materials and Methods

This was a qualitative study. The sample was selected through non-probabilistic convenience and comprised 11 women attending the women's police station in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. By using the content-analysis technique, the following categories were listed: Impact upon the woman’s health; Impact upon self-image and loss of female identity, and Submission and loss of freedom.

Results

Ages varied from 20 to 68 years; number of children between 1 and 13; length of time living with the violence varied between 2 and 25 years. It was identified that violence brought suffering and impacts on the lives of women, like loss of identity, de-structured self-image, feelings of impotence, and reduced self-esteem.

Discussion and Conclusions

The burden of suffering reaches them integrally, taking them to depressive states. Many seek help from health professionals who must be trained to perform comprehensive care, supporting their empowerment and helping them to break the cycle of violence. The need is perceived for professionals qualified to provide care to women victims of domestic violence, seeking to minimize its impacts.

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