Dentistry and domestic violence against women: diagnosis and conduct

Abstract

Domestic violence is characterized by situations in which victims are subjected to psychological, sexual, material or physical aggression that occur, often, by people in their family life. It has become a public health problem. Thus, it is the responsibility of health professionals to act in this process of valuing life. This study aims to present the role of the Surgeon-Dentist in identifying orofacial lesions and signs resulting from domestic violence against women, also to indicate the conduct of the professional through these cases. A qualitative study was carried out through a bibliographic review. As a result, the higher prevalence of head and neck injuries shows the important performance of the Dentist and the need for these professionals to be prepared to attend, diagnose, treat and notify these victims. Because the Dentist may come across, in his care, with patients who are unassuming victims. Aiming at this, the signs and symptoms that along with other factors may lead to the identification of these victims were presented. To discover what lies behind such lesions. In this way, the professional, besides diagnosing and treating, must use compulsory notification as an important tool to combat and guarantee rights. But for this, better preparation of these is necessary, in order to train not only better professionals, but more human.