Cumulative Vulnerability: A Case Study on Domestic Violence, Drug Addiction and Adolescent Pregnancy

A pregnant adolescent's vulnerability increases when she is a victim of domestic violence and drug addiction, which cause physical and biopsychosocial damage to the mother and her baby. Objective: Present and analyze the case of an adolescent who is addicted to drugs, pregnant and the victim of lifelong domestic violence. Method: A case study based on a semi-structured interview conducted in the Obstetrics Emergency Unit at the Teaching Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo. The data were interpreted and analyzed using Content Analysis. Results: Domestic violence experienced at the beginning of the adolescent's early relationships seriously affected her emotional maturity, triggering the development of psychopathologies and leaving her more susceptible to the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The adolescent is repeating her history with her daughter, reproducing the cycle of violence. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy combined with domestic violence and drug addiction and multiplies the adolescent's psychosocial vulnerability increased the adolescent's vulnerability.