Women's protection public policies: evaluation of health care for victims of sexual violence.

Violence against women has increased over the years and is a serious violation of human rights. This study aimed to evaluate public policies, women's rights legislation and health care for victims of sexual violence. This is an exploratory and descriptive study, with interviews to professionals of the Care Center for Women Victims of Violence of Teresina-PI, and collection of medical records data of victims. We analyzed data in the light of legislation and guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Health, according to the established public policies. We noted an improvement of the Brazilian legislation and increasing intervention of government in order to control the violence. The evaluated service calls for the humanization of care, the principles of dignity, non-discrimination, confidentiality and privacy, avoiding exposure and distress of victims. Physical and gynecological examination are conducted, besides laboratory tests such as serological tests and collecting traces aiming at identifying the offender, as well as pharmaceutical care and multi-professional support. We can conclude that the current legislation and the guidelines and procedures recommended by public policies to protect women are effective in the referral service studied.