GENDER VIOLENCE IN THE PUERPERIUM AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Introduction:In the puerperal period,women undergo profound physiological changes,accompanied by significant hormonal fluctuations, factors that may increase their susceptibility to the adverse effects of gender-based violence. Objective: To identify the main factors associated with gender-based violence during the puerperium through a systematic review. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted, searching databases such as LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO. Descriptors like "gender-based violence," "puerperium," "vulnerability," and "structural gender inequality" were used, applying Boolean operators AND and OR. Results and Final Considerations: The research involved a systematic analysis of 464 articles, of which 20 were selected for exploratory reading. After applying inclusion criteria, 9 articles were analyzed, identifying a significant prevalence of intimate partner violence; 51.2% of puerperal women reported experiences of abuse before, during, or after pregnancy, contributing to the development of disorders such as postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: Factors linked to postpartum violence include gender inequalities, patriarchal family structures, lack of social support, and limited access to healthcare and social services. The reviewed literature also reveals the absence of specific protocols and a shortage of trained professionals to recognize and properly manage these situations.