[Men and conjugal violence: an analysis of Brazilian studies]

This study consisted of a qualitative analysis of 54 Brazilian texts about men and conjugal violence related to research or intervention activities. Initially, the material was divided up according to the topics under scrutiny, the main focus and the type of text. Analysis and synthesis of the main considerations of the texts, based on the thematic points revealed, was then carried out. This included the different approaches to the problem, the magnitude of conjugal violence, the attitudes of men vis-à-vis violence and interventions and/or policies towards male aggressors. The parameter for the analysis was the national and international debate seeking to overcome the controversy surrounding the definition of the problem as "gender violence" or conjugal violence," essentially fostering the hypothesis of various types of violent conjugal relationships. It was concluded that the unanimous outcome of the study was to view the problem as a gender relationship issue. Lastly, it was argued that the choice of the best approach between the poles of the controversy requires further investigation using qualitative methodologies together with players from different classes and social backgrounds. With respect to further intervention, it was considered necessary to examine a broad gamut of alternatives emphasizing the singular nature of the cases.