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

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.