Notificação compulsória da violência na infância e na adolescência em Santa Maria, RS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the process of compulsory notification of violence in childhood and adolescence in the city of Santa Maria/RS, through articulation of epidemiological data with the experiences of professionals involved in this process. For this purpose, a quantitative and qualitative research with descriptive and exploratory design was carried out. Data collection on the quantitative section comprised a documentary survey conducted in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN-Net) database: domestic and sexual violence and/or others. In order to collect qualitative data, four focus groups with professionals involved in the process of compulsory notification of violence management and/or execution were organized. The data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and content analysis technique. The results are displayed in three articles. In the first one the results of quantitative research were presented by describing the epidemiological data of compulsory notification of violence in child and adolescent age group, from 2009 to 2013, occurred and reported in Santa Maria/RS. The findings show that victims were predominantly female; physical violence was the most commonly reported; the residence was the place where more violence occurred; and the mother and father were presented as the biggest offenders. In the second and third articles the results of qualitative research were presented. The second one referred to the deployment and implementation process of compulsory notification of violence in Santa Maria/RS. The results showed that in everyday services this procedure was not routine. Weaknesses were identified both in the professionals training in order to carry out the compulsory notification of violence and in the dissemination and use of epidemiological data. Also, some progress was identified through the growing number of services involved with this procedure, in addition to the notification records increase in recent years. The third article presented the professionals perceptions and feelings regarding compulsory notification of violence in childhood and adolescence as well as the interdisciplinary and intersectoral work. The results indicated that the professionals perceived the compulsory notification of violence as a most difficult procedure when it involved children and adolescents. Among all the feelings mobilized by violence in childhood and adolescence were impotence, dismay, anger, and desire to do something. On the other hand, the feelings mobilized by the notification of violence were fear and frustration. With regard to care services and protection network, professionals said that in order to confront violence, an integrated, interdisciplinary and intersectoral work was needed. Given the results from the three articles, it is concluded that compulsory notification of violence can be an important instrument for children and adolescence protection. Thus, this process needs to be improved in Santa Maria city by investing in qualification and support to professionals, compilation and distribution of assistance flows, and appropriate use of epidemiological data provided by the compulsory notifications of violence.