Nurses' behavior in cases of domestic violence against women

Abstract

Objective: To identify the behavior of nurses inserted in the Family Health Strategy in confirmed or suspected cases of domestic violence against women. Method: Study of a qualitative nature, carried out in 2012 and 2013, at units of the Family Health Strategy, in the city of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, guided by semi-directed interview with 11 nurses, using content analysis. Results: nurses approach the domestic violence against women in different ways, either through discussion of the case with the other team members, either sending women to other services and professionals. Most nurses feel insecure to meet women victims of violence. Conclusion: There is a heterogeneity in the behavior of nurses inserted in the Family Health Strategy in confirmed or suspected cases of domestic violence against women, showing that women's healthcare network, in this situation, needs to be strengthened.