Violence in the perception of young university students

Abstract

Objective

To identify young university students’ perception of the processes of protection and depletion related to violence.

Methods

Exploratory qualitative study. Data collected through an electronic questionnaire from June 2017 to April 2018.

Results

Sixty-eight questionnaires were filled out and assessed through Content Analysis with support of the webQDA software. Three categories were highlighted according to the dimensions of Objective Reality: 1) Singular dimension: classification of violence, experience of violence and knowledge of violence – aggressor or assaulted; 2) Particular dimension: perceptions of what protects from violence and understanding of what is a depletion for violence; 3) General dimension: reduction of violence – a look at management. In these categories, the fact that violence against and among university students is a socially determined phenomenon was evidenced.

Conclusion

The implementation of institutional policies and actions beyond the university walls is necessary, aiming, through dialogue with organized society, to make people aware that violence must be denounced and fought.

Young adult; Violence; Universities; Exposure to violence; Public policy