O acolhimento às mulheres em situação de violência sexual: avaliação do Programa Superando Barreiras na Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC) em Fortaleza-CE

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the ―Overcoming Barriers Program‖ developed at the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School (MEAC). Guided by In-Depth Evaluation methodology (Rodrigues, 2008), this research strives to delineate, throughout the text, the analytical dimensions of policy content, the formulation context, and its institutional trajectory, focusing on three key instances: the National Policy for Combating Violence Against Women, MEAC, and the ―Overcoming Barriers Program‖. The reflection and analysis process theoretically grounded in four main categories: (i) Violence against Women and public policies to combat this violence; (ii) Symbolic Violence Theory; (iii) Gender Theories; and (iv) Health as a Right. A qualitative approach was adopted, including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis to deepen understanding of the program's impact and the perceptions surrounding it as a mechanism of support and protection for women in situations of extreme vulnerability. This evaluation was conducted in accordance with fundamental ethical and scientific standards, as outlined in Consolidated Review Board Opinion No. 6,844,673/2024. The research results revealed the relevance of the program, which provided 425 consultations between October 2023 and October 2024, reflecting the growing demand for support services for women experiencing sexual violence. In 71% of the analyzed cases, the outcome was legal abortion, while 3.2% opted for "legal surrender" and 16.1% were referred for psychological and legal support. Reports from the multidisciplinary team highlight that non-judgmental care, interprofessional collaboration, and a focus on humanization align the program with the ideals of the National Policy. However, structural challenges and high demand point to the need for additional resources to fully meet the program's objectives and public policy's goals. It is expected that the evaluation of the ―Overcoming Barriers Program‖ will provide significant insights into the effectiveness of strategies for welcoming and supporting women facing sexual violence, and that the results will offer recommendations for enhancing the program's implementation and strengthening the humanized care provided to these women within MEAC, there by contributing to the effectiveness of public policies aimed at combating gender-based violence.