Abstract

HERRERA, Cristina  and  AGOFF, Carolina. Dilemmas of healthcare providers towards domestic violence in Mexico. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.11, pp. 2349-2357. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2006001100009.

This qualitative study of 30 physicians and nurses from the Mexican public health system aimed to understand their concepts and practices concerning domestic violence. A recent survey showed that most health professionals were unaware of the official criteria and procedures for dealing with cases of domestic violence. Our in-depth interviews failed to show substantial differences between professionals according to level of care, and that treatment was generally inadequate. We also observed a repertoire of ingrained social meanings among the medical staff concerning violence (derived from their own cultural traditions), hindering more effective responses to the problem.

Keywords : Domestic Violence; Health Personnel; Violence Against Women.