Domestic violence against rural women: care practices developed by community health workers

Abstract

Violence against women is regarded as a public health problem. This scenario becomes even more serious in rural areas, considering a background of singularities and isolation of women. This study sought to know the care practices developed by community health workers in the care of women in situations of domestic violence and living in rural areas. This is an exploratory-descriptive research, with a qualitative approach, in which 13 community health workers participated. The production of data was done through a focal group and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that these health professionals used relational care practices, such as dialogue, active listening and bonding, as well as those relating to the context itself and the health service, such as guidance and teamwork. The community health workers found possibilities to identify and intervene in situations of domestic violence against rural women. Nevertheless, they needed training and multidisciplinary and intersectoral support, so they could effectively meet the biopsychosocial needs of this specific population.