THE PERSPECTIVE OF PROFESSIONALS IN RELATION TO THE CARE GIVEN TO WOMEN IN SITUATIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE: PERSPECTIVE OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF BIOETHICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Daiane Trentin,Caroline Porcelis Vargas,Sandra Maria Cezar Leal,Mara Ambrosina De Oliveira Vargas,Laura Cavalcanti De Farias Brehmer,Dulcinéia Ghizoni Schneider

doi:10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2018-0083

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the care provided to women in situations of sexual violence, from the perspective of professionals and from the perspective of the Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights. Method: a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, conducted in a municipality in the north-central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with 30 professionals from the multiprofessional team of intersectoral care services for women in situations of sexual violence. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interview from January to April 2016. The results were subjected to Thematic Content Analysis. Results: four thematic categories emerged, entitled: principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity, in which situations of vulnerability surrounding women are found; principle of non-discrimination and non-stigmatization: services with adequate structures, confidentiality of information, acceptance, unprejudiced practices and/or judgments in care; principle of human dignity and human rights, agile actions, prudence, articulation with other services, the role of the state and public policies are mentioned; and principle of autonomy and individual responsibility: in decision making, the importance of emancipation and empowerment. Conclusion: professionals face the challenge of facing a grievance surrounded by vulnerabilities and sometimes are not supported to meet the complex demands of women in situations of sexual violence. Protective public policies and care-based on user embracement are ways to minimize trauma and can encourage women to access services.

Highlights

Sexual violence against women expresses the perversity of violence and gender inequality
The thematic categories were given titles with the principles that best added meaning to the statements of the research participants, namely: principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity; principle of non-discrimination and non-stigmatization; principle of human dignity and human rights and principle of autonomy and individual responsibility. These principles were listed because of their concept to support the reflection of situations raised by the participants that emerge in the care of women in situations of sexual violence
The results emphasize that the issues involved in the care of women in situations of sexual violence identified by professionals refer to elements of bioethics, such as human dignity, autonomy, non-discrimination, non-stigmatization, human rights, state protection and possible weaknesses in the service network, such as discontinuity between services

Summary

Introduction

Sexual violence against women expresses the perversity of violence and gender inequality. Treaties and conventions, approved by international rights bodies, state that sexual violence against women is a violation of human rights.[1]. It is not the most prevalent type of violence against women, sexual violence has a destructive impact.[1] Exposure to violence results in consequences that range from physical injury, risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), problems related to sexual and reproductive health, psychological and emotional distress and, in some cases, may lead to death.[1,2].

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Conclusion