Violence against women is a complex and multifaceted social phenomenon that manifests itself in various forms, including physical, psychological, moral, property, and sexual violence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide has faced physical or sexual violence at some point in her life[1]. However, the understanding of violence in society in general is still restricted to physical and sexual violence, without paying attention to the impact of  “silent” violences caused by gender inequality[2]. The fact that inequality and oppression are normalized frequently favors the fact that women do not realize that they are victims of violence. This study aims to identify reports of violence during the care of women in a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy process for women complaining of sexual dysfunction.

This is an innovate descriptive case study, with a qualitative approach. The study included women aged between 18 and 59 using the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaire, which assesses the sexual function of women. The cut-off point is 26: a lower score indicates sexual dysfunction. Participants with other pelvic floor disorders, suspected psychiatric diagnoses, or those undergoing hormone therapy were excluded. A semi-structured interview based on Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy was used. The patients underwent 10 meetings of the Sex Education and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy protocol. During these meetings, reports indicative of violence were also assessed. These reports were categorized as violence experienced during childhood and development, committed by the family of origin, and violence committed by the partner. All participants signed an informed consent form to participate in the study.

Eleven (n=11) women were evaluated (table 1). Seven (n=07) women reported violence. Five (n=05) married women were victims of violence, of which two (n=02) were victims of physical and psychological violence by their partners, two (n=02) were victims of psychological violence by their partner, and one (n=01) was a victim of psychological violence by her partner, in addition to having suffered physical and psychological violence from her family of origin throughout her development. Of the participants in a stable relationship who did not live with their partners, one (n=01) reported psychological violence from her family at the current time. Of the participants without stable relationships, one (n=01) reported psychological violence by her current family. It was not possible to identify reports of violence in four (n=04) participants, two (02) did not have a stable relationship, and two (02) were in relationships but did not live with their partners.

Seven (n=07) patients were in a context of violence, affecting the beliefs that patients develop about- themselves, others, the world, and the future. These factors directly affect quality of life and sexual well-being.

Due to structural male chauvinism, these forms of violence are often normalized, so victims often fail to recognize its impact on their quality of life and sexual well-being. Therefore, health professionals must be attentive listeners and provide appropriate guidance to their patients.

WHO. (2021, March 9). Devastatingly pervasive: 1 in 3 Women Globally Experience Violence. Www.who.int; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/09-03-2021-devastatingly-pervasive-1-in-3-women-globally-experience-violence
Vigano, S. de M. M., & Laffin, M. H. L. F. (2019). Mulheres, políticas públicas e combate à violência de gênero. História (São Paulo), 38. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-4369e2019054