Introduction

Physical violence against women is a public health problem and a need felt by the community, which demands an answer from health services. The aim of this research was to develop an approach model from the health service that permits detection, support, and follow up of these cases.

Materials and Methods

A research-action was conducted in a first-level of care service, with the participation of health staff. Initially, a situational diagnosis was carried out to assess the perception of physical violence against women, quality of service, and functional organization against cases of violence. An approach model was developed to confront this from the formation of the health staff, functional reorganization of the health service, and design of detection and follow-up tools. The intervention was evaluated through operational indicators and assessment of its short-term impact.

Results

The work managed to train the staff and empower it with the problem; operational elements were introduced for the functional reorganization of the operational unit: screening for intra-family violence, care flow diagram, and follow-up sheet. Within three weeks after implementing these instruments, three cases of violence were detected and addressed by the health service.

Discussion and Conclusions

The research-action methodology permitted the participants to be empowered with the problem of physical violence against women, as well as to design and apply tools to address it. A subsequent evaluation is necessary to determine its impact.

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