[Men and women living in marital violence: socioeconomic aspects]

Quantitative and descriptive study aiming to identify socioeconomic characteristics of men and women with a history of domestic violence. We conducted interviews with 50 men and 50 women. Nearly all subjects were self-declared black. Most did not have too many years of school education. Men perform occupations that are public and women do predominantly domestic activities. Only 3 women (6%) are considered financially independent. The degree of economic dependence is directly related to the level of education that has been established as a prerequisite to enter into the labor market. The situation is even more precarious for women interviewed with fewer years of education and a high degree of financial dependence that interferes with their empowerment to address domestic violence. Health professionals, especially nurses, should address the social inequities and improve the socioeconomic context of users to identify situations that endanger the health of the population.