Woman abuse: contribuitions and shortcomings of the information system

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the health information system in monitoring woman abuse by analyzing the extent to which each data source may contribute to actual event dimensioning and underlie the decision-making process. Therefore, the text presents advances and contributions of each officially existent database in the health sector, and also its persistent shortcomings due to the scarce sensitivity and specificity of these systems in monitoring woman abuse. The article also discusses the need for further studies in order to deepen the issue, as well as a gender-based information policy for analysis and intervention of the violence determinants against women, considering the significance and seriousness of the issue, not only for women but also for society as a whole.