Mental health and violence: an analysis with adolescents assisted by the violence research, assistance and surveillance program

Abstract

Introduction: Violence against adolescents results in physical, emotional, sexual and moral harm to victims. It can be understood as the omission of parents and guardians, institutions and society in general. Objective: To identify the signs and symptoms of mental suffering in adolescent victims of sexual violence through the Self Report questionnaire (SRQ 20); To describe the main signs and symptoms of mental suffering in adolescent victims of sexual violence; to promote reflections on the service offered by the Caliandra Research, Assistance and Surveillance Program (CEPAV) about the impact of sexual violence on the mental health of adolescents, enabling possible care strategies. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study with a quantitative and descriptive methodological approach, with the participation of 19 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years old, who suffered sexual violence and who are being monitored by CEPAV Caliandra. Results and discussion: The main signs and symptoms presented are related to anxiety after experiencing sexual violence, such as difficulty sleeping, concentration, fear, sadness, stomach problems and feelings of worthlessness. All participants are female with a prevalence of age of 16, 14 and 12 years.