Use of the genogram and ecomap in the assessment of family relationships of children in situations of vulnerability and violence

Abstract

Domestic violence can be understood as a factor that generates illness in victimized children, impacting  health and social development. This study sought to  understand family relationships and the support network of families living in social vulnerability and  violence, using genogram and ecomap instruments.  This is a descriptive and exploratory research, with a  qualitative approach, in which eight  parents/caregivers of children assisted by non-governmental organizations were interviewd. To systematize the results, content analysis was used,  and the GenoPro program was used to prepare the  genograms and ecomaps. The results showed the  composition of families, the support networks,  attitudes, feelings, and emotions connected to family  dynamics and the potential of relationships. Families  showed relational weaknesses, aggravated by financial  difficulties. At the same time, the support  network, added to the potentials identified in the  family dynamics represented an important resource  for protection. It is concluded that the genogram and  the ecomap are effective instruments for the  identification and understanding of cases of violence  and can serve as a tool in the development of social  actions, in the promotion of family health, and in the  strengthening of public policies, helping to guarantee  the rights to life and health of the child.