Perception and conduct of health professionals about domestic violence against the elderly

Abstract

Objective: To identify the perception of health professionals about domestic violence against the elderly, and understand the behavior in situations of domestic violence. Method: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted with 12 health professionals using semistructured instrument with guiding questions. The interviews were taped and transcribed integrally. Data were analyzed and categorized by content analysis technique proposed by Bardin. Results: Two categories emerged: Understanding domestic violence against the elderly and Hierarchy actions against the situation of domestic violence against the elderly. Conclusion: It is important that the multidisciplinary team knows the multifarious spheres of aggression and know how to identify signs of bad treatment and violence, that such evidence from the cases notified to the competent authorities and facilitate the monitoring of elderly and family.