Violence against women: between critical path and assistance multisectoral networks.

Abstract

Violence against women is a problem with high prevalence and huge impact in women and children’s health conditions.
This paper approaches how the issue of domestic and sexual violence against women has been treated, in the last decades, as a human rights and public health problem. Based in a literature review, a brief history of the public policies to the problem in Brazil is depictured. Two interconnected concepts are discussed: the critical path of women experiencing domestic violence (how women cope with violence and the difficulties that they face) and the need of a multisectoral assistance network. The possibilities of inclusion of health care facilities in this multisectoral network are discussed. We finalize highlighting the need of the recognition by all professionals in the network of the different axis of social iniquity, specially related to gender iniquities but also class and race ones. To consider this aspect is essential, and we invite health workers to open to dialogue about the different options of action. To face violence as an issue to be approached also by health services may represent a broadening of the technological scope with more satisfaction of the professionals with their work.