Violence against women in the daily routine of the health services: challenges for medical education

Abstract

The provision of humane care for women who have undergone situations of violence in the health services is still a challenge at all levels of care. This article discusses the meanings of violence against women in discourses of medical professionals. Its theoretical basis is the discursive practices approach in the constructionist framework of social psychology. Four interviews were conducted with medical professionals who work in a university hospital in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, and the analysis enabled us to note gaps in medical training and practice on the theme of gender violence. We conclude that we must provide space for professionals' training, reflection and support so that they feel safe and able to work with the issue. The educational changes in medical education curricula are important strategies for coping with violence in the services, as they demand the transformation of the professionals' concepts and practices, which are still based on the biomedical focus.