KNOWLEDGE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DENTISTS ABOUT CHILD AND ADULT SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TIANGUÁ-CE

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual violence against children and adolescents is a serious violation of human rights. This type of violence encompasses any form of sexual abuse committed against children and adolescents. As a result, victims may face serious health problems. Studies show that half of sexual abuse victims have signs in the head, neck and oral cavity, such as injuries or manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Given the above, dentists play a crucial role in identifying potential victims. However, lack of training and lack of knowledge about appropriate professional conduct can lead to omission or non-compliance with the legal obligation to report suspected cases, resulting in a reality of underreporting of violence. This is a cross-sectional study, with a descriptive and exploratory nature, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, with the objective of understanding dentists' knowledge about the identification and reporting of suspected cases of sexual violence against children and adolescents, with the aim of investigating the main barriers faced by these professionals. The results reveal that despite the recognition of professional responsibility and the willingness to train, the lack of training and the lack of knowledge about the protection network compromise adequate action in cases of violence. Therefore, it is concluded that it is essential to invest in the initial and ongoing training of dentists, in addition to strengthening the articulation between health services and agencies that protect children and adolescents.