Concepts of violence prevention programs and promotion of culture of peace

Abstract Introduction This article aims to analyze violence prevention programs in order to identify the conceptions that guide their development and their relation with the promotion of culture of peace. Method This is a qualitative study anchored in the theoretical and methodological reference of the critical discourse analysis. Online documents related to seven programs of violence prevention and promotion of culture of peace in Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais, were considered for analysis. Results The analysis allowed identifying a chain of expressions on the goals of the programs that reveal ideological aspects of public policies whose purpose is to reduce incidences of events related to violence. The speech of promoting culture as a paradigm shift and the enjoyment among people appears in some programs. Reinforcement of a culture of respect for human rights and citizenship is presented on the proposals. Regarding the target audience of the programs, there is a focus on segments characterized by younger age groups, lower level of education and residence in areas of high social vulnerability. Conclusion Although the implementation of prevention programs is relevant, there are still underlying challenges to the ideological, political and practical perspective of building a culture of peace.