Mulheres e violência: memórias e lutas na cidade de Niterói

Abstract

This study is focus on the process that developed the Police Department for Women Assistance (DEAM-Delegacia Especializada de Atendimento à Mulher) in Niterói - RJ. The goal of the study is to trace the recent history of the policies applied toward the protection of women victims of violence in our days. The research, in the majority of the cases used interviews, i.e., was based on a memory of the persons who reflected the foundation of the DEAM, during the late 80's. We intended to capture the distinct experiences of those women involved with this process in the city of Niteroi. This study was able to subsidize the analysis and the evaluation of the policy towards women protections in midst of the feminist and civil rights movement. Considering the context of the city, this process featured as one which was quite representative, considering the historical relevance of the scenario at national level. The DEAMs, originated based on a policy of national public security, represent an institution that cannot exist by itself, without the support of the society.