Objective: Unveiling the precipitating elements of conjugal violence based on the discourse of men undergoing criminal prosecution.
Method: This is a qualitative study developed in a Domestic Violence and Family Violence Campaign against Women from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Results: We interviewed 23 men. The following central ideas emerged: children and family interference; change in woman's behavior; feeling of ownership; discovery of extramarital affairs of women; absence of marital sexual intercourse; and use of alcohol and other drugs by men.
Conclusion: Several elements precipitate marital violence according to the mens' discourse. Knowing these elements can subsidize actions for preventing the phenomenon, especially from implementing peaceful conflict resolution strategies.