THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN CASES OF CHILD ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

Abstract

Violence and child abuse represent significant public health issues, with physical, psychological, and social impacts that can affect the victim throughout their life. In this context, nurses play a fundamental role in the early identification, reception, reporting, and referral of cases, contributing to breaking the cycle of violence and protecting the child. This study aimed to describe the role of nurses in cases of child abuse and violence, highlighting the importance of identifying clinical signs and providing humanized care. It is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed and SciELO databases, employing descriptors related to child sexual abuse, violence, and nursing. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, available free of charge in Portuguese and addressing the research question, were included. After applying eligibility criteria, 11 studies were analyzed. The results demonstrated that nursing practice involves skilled listening, detailed physical examination, proper documentation, mandatory reporting, evidence collection when indicated, and coordination with child and adolescent protection networks. It is concluded that continuous training for nursing professionals is essential to ensure ethical, humanized, and evidence-based care, thereby contributing to the prevention, identification, and addressing of child violence.