VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: SUPPORT AND COORDINATION WITHIN THE HEALTHCARE NETWORK

Abstract

Introduction: Violence against women permeates family relationships, living conditions, and experiences of illness. In health services, it can appear in a direct account or remain hidden by repeated complaints, requiring professional sensitivity and articulated responses. Objective: To discuss the reception of women in situations of violence and the articulation of the health care network, considering comprehensiveness, autonomy, and continuity of care. Development: This chapter uses a theoretical-reflective approach, based on scientific literature and official documents. The discussion includes the recognition of violence as a health demand, non-judgmental listening, prevention of revictimization, protection of information, and the organization of interprofessional and intersectoral work. It is highlighted that referrals must involve communication between services, definition of responsibilities, and monitoring of the woman's needs. The training of teams must be associated with institutional conditions that support care practices. Final considerations: Attention to women in situations of violence requires presence, responsibility, and continuity. A network committed to protection needs to offer accessible and safe pathways, respect women's decisions, and acknowledge the concrete obstacles that limit their possibilities for choice.