MENTAL HEALTH OF WOMEN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS)

Abstract

Domestic violence represents a serious public health issue with substantial effects on the mental health of women assisted by Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). This chapter examines the psychosocial consequences of domestic violence and the main barriers faced by women in accessing mental health care within public services. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including a cross-sectional survey with 120 women using public health services and semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, employing validated instruments to identify depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as thematic analysis of qualitative data. The findings revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress, particularly depressive and trauma-related symptoms, combined with limited access to continuous psychological care, weaknesses in welcoming practices, and fragmented care networks. Stigma, lack of integrated protocols, and insufficient professional training emerged as key factors contributing to discontinuity of care. It is concluded that strengthening intersectoral strategies, improving professional training, and expanding access to mental health services are essential to ensure comprehensive and effective care for women victims of domestic violence within the SUS.