O corpo não esquece a história: vivências de profissionais de saúde no cuidado de pessoas expostas à violência sexual

Abstract

Sexual violence is a complex phenomenon and, mainly, a serious public health problem that does not restrict social class, age, socioeconomic level, or culture. It can happen both in public and private spaces, and is considered one of the greatest violations of human rights. The professional activities in the health services of reference to sexual violence in Brazil have been unsatisfactory for an effective care due to weaknesses inherent to the management of the work in different aspects, compromising the performance of professionals and causing a mismatch between the care offer and the victims' necessities. Besides the technical dimension of the assistance, understanding issues related to the subjectivity of the professional and the ways in which this care has repercussions on themselves can favor the provision of an integral care. Thus, the general objective of this dissertation is to understand the experiences of health professionals in the care of sexual violence, with a focus on how these experiences resonate subjectively, especially in dialogue with the corporeal and psychic dimensions. Considering the complexity of this topic, two qualitative studies were organized, both empirical. The first study seeks to understand how these professionals, from different specialties, experience the assistance encounter with people exposed to sexual violence beyond the technical dimension of care, also understanding the subjective repercussions caused by the work. The instrument used for data collection was an open individual interview, based on the Phenomenological Interview. The second study aimed at understanding the corporeal and psychic experiences of health professionals in dealing with demands of sexual violence, whose data collection was done through two group meetings, using the approach of Pichon Rivière's operative groups. The studies followed similar methodologies, having Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis as a guide for the analysis of the results. The results were interpreted and discussed based on the phenomenological theoretical referential, with emphasis on Edith Stein's conception of the human person and empathy, and on Luigina Mortari's philosophization of care, in dialog with contemporary authors who approach the theme. In general, the studies converged, showing that health professionals who offer care to people exposed to sexual violence have significant subjective repercussions in their contact with stories of violence, both regarding the responsibility of the caregiver's place, and the bodily and psychical experiences derived from this work, demonstrating the need for a space of care and welcoming for emotional demands, as well as the importance of thinking about collective work for effectiveness in solving cases and protecting people exposed to sexual violence.