Hidden lives and lost paths: (dis)connections between public policies and institutional practices on domestic violence

Abstract

This essay aims to understand the organizational practices that enhance the effectiveness of interventions in the fight against domestic violence, from the perspective of victims and professionals. This is a qualitative investigation, based on content analysis encountered in public reports and interviews applied to different actors. The Portuguese legal framework is updated and, in the current wording, assumes an innovative role on the combat of domestic violence. The practices of the actors of the National Network for The Support of Victims of Domestic Violence are dissimilar, presenting praxis with varying degrees of success. In order to prevent homicides linked to domestic violence, it is recommended that the Portuguese government promotes tools to monitor the quality of the services available to victims of domestic violence.