The text, based on bibliographical readings and analysis of institutional documents, presents reflections on the different manifestations of violence (called diffuse violence) present in the Brazilian social fabric. It discusses the problematic elements present in developing countries, mainly with regard to the challenges posed to these countries, in terms of realizing citizenship. It permeates the consolidation of the National State and the negative effects brought to it by globalization and the so-called late modernity, through which forms of social nihilism intensify, weakening social ties and creating a cultural broth conducive to conflictive manifestations and/or violence, notably against women. It ends by analyzing, in more detail, the issue of schools, given the manifestations of violence that are present in these environments (more specifically against women). The text demonstrates that the issue of violence – notably against women – remains a current topic and that it requires careful consideration, from researchers, society and the State, in order to be addressed.