The concepts of violence elaborated by H. Arendt and M. Chauí lead us to reflect on the wider significance of domestic violence against children and question some interpretations about it. The interpretations and the application of the penal code as to what characterises a violent act does not successfully cover situations of domestic and institutional violence. These forms of violence are closely linked, as both are outside the contingencies of the legal framework in terms of injuries caused to the victims. Moreover, both are necessary to maintain the status quo, since they reproduce interpersonal relations based on possession.
Violence; Ethics; Rights