Perceptions of primary health care workers regarding violence against women.

Ariana Sofia Barradas Da Silva,Daniela Claudia Silva Fortes,Kateline Simone Gomes Fonseca,Deisa Salyse Dos Reis Cabral Semedo,Alessandro Marques Dos Santos,Mara Regina Santos Da Silva

doi:10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0097

Ariana Sofia Barradas Da Silva, Daniela Claudia Silva Fortes + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0097

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Abstract

To identify the perceptions of Primary Health Care workers regarding Violence Against Women. Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study addressing 23 health professionals working in three Health Centers in Praia, Cape Verde, Africa. Semi-structured interviews were held via videoconference in November and December 2020. Data were treated according to thematic analysis. Three categories emerged: violence against women restricted to physical aggression; violence as a phenomenon resulting from financial dependency; and victim blaming. The reductionist view of violence, as limited to physical harm, associated with financial dependency and victim blaming helps to unveil perceptions that ground the practice of health workers with women victims of violence and can support the planning of continuous education provided in Primary Health Care services.

Highlights

Violence against women (VAW) has been a p henomenon present in history since old times and is a global concern given its magnitude and consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and communities
Three categories emerged: violence against women restricted to physical aggression; violence as a phenomenon resulting from financial dependency; and victim blaming
The reductionist view of violence, as limited to physical harm, associated with financial dependency and victim blaming helps to unveil perceptions that ground the practice of health workers with women victims of violence and can support the planning of continuous education provided in Primary Health Care services

Summary

Introduction

Violence against women (VAW) has been a p henomenon present in history since old times and is a global concern given its magnitude and consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. It is a human rights violation, classified as an important public health problem, considered a priority in many countries’ public policy, and is part of the Sustainable Development Goals[1]. In 2015, in Praia, the country’s capital, the rate was 42.5%, and from 2018 onwards, femicide became frequent news in the national media[2]

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