Oficinas Interativas do Ambulatório/Rede Para Elas: uma prática de convivência “Entre Elas, Entre nós”

Abstract

The subject matter of this study is violence against women, focusing on the post-violence period, taking into account public and collective alternatives to support and strengthen women victims of violence. In this sense, it presents and analyzes an experience of acting together with the Interactive Workshops developed by the Ambulatory Network / "Para Elas", which are part of the Project "Para Elas. Por Elas, Por Eles, Por Nós." This National Project is carried out by the College of Medicine at Federal University of Minas Gerais, supported by Health Ministry. The purpose of this study is to analyze the life history, the experiences of violence and their confrontation among the women accompanied by the Ambulatory Network / "Para Elas", in order to know the meaning they attribute to the violence and their perception of the workshops. In addition, the objective was to know what motivated them to participate in the workshops and to address the potential of promoting the quality of life of the "coexistence" dimension, in face of the tendency of "isolation" and "segregation" after experiences of this nature. The theoretical basis is the literature on violence itself, violence against women and the Theory of Communicative Action. References that deal with the conceptual dimension of "workshops", interactive workshops and the notion of coexistence were also used, as well as a literature review related to the theme of health promotion and the promotion of women's health. The field research took as reference the frequency of participation in the meetings and the testimonies obtained from interviews conducted individually. These interviews, combined with the participant observation technique, were the methodological resources to obtain the information / data for the accomplishment of this qualitative approach study. After the analysis, it was concluded that the interactive workshops (and the "talk wheels" of which the women participated weekly in the Gynecology Ambulatory of the Jenny Faria de Andrade Institute / Hospital das Clínicas / UFMG) constitute spaces where women can be welcomed with care. At the limit, according to reports, participation in these spaces can provide a feeling towards the group as an extension of the family itself. Motivated by the work in handicrafts, the production of costume jewelry and the realization of bazaars, the women participants broadened their understanding of the idea and practice of violence, beyond to physical violence. The interviews and the analysis, taken as a whole, revealed that the experience and coexistence marked by mutual listening processes can produce effects such as the strengthening of the participating individuals and contribute, for example, reducing the use of medicines. In conclusion, although participation in these spaces is neither a guarantee for the non-recurrence of violence nor for the veiled violence present in the associated family contexts, coexistence through interactive workshops has contributed to health promotion, violence prevention, strengthening and empowerment of women. Finally, it was possible to perceive the potential of public and collective actions to promote the health and quality of life of the participating women.