SECTOR NURSES’ PERFORMANCE TOWARDS WOMEN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Abstract

Although women have made progress in education, employment, and politics, they still face challenges such as discrimination and gender-based violence, including femicides and domestic violence, which remain serious in Brazil. Nurses play an essential role in supporting victims, but face barriers such as lack of training and resources. This study analyzed the role of nurses in identifying and approaching women victims of sexual abuse, through a literature review in databases such as BVS and SCIELO. Twenty articles published between 2019 and 2024 were selected, highlighting three main categories: welcoming strategies and active listening, effectiveness of care protocols, and impact of prevention policies. Active listening proved to be essential to create a welcoming environment and facilitate victims' reports. Adherence to standardized protocols was identified as essential to ensure quality care, while prevention and combat policies reinforce nursing practice, promoting awareness and multidisciplinary collaboration. Gender-based violence, especially sexual abuse, requires effective responses from health professionals. In this context, nurses play a crucial role in the emotional recovery of victims, using humanized strategies and protocol-based interventions.