Violence against women leaves traces

Every March, health insurance companies launch campaigns celebrating Women’s Month. They talk about inspiration, strength, self-care and well-being. But there is one subject that almost never appears in these conversations: violence against women. Its consequences arrive every day at clinics and hospitals—anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, chronic pain, medication abuse, work leave and, in many cases, a real risk of death. In Brazil, 88% of women have experienced some form of psychological violence. Women who have suffered violence have rates of psychological disorders up to 483% higher than the general population. And cases of violence and femicide continue to rise. That is why Aurora Saúde, a health plan created by women, developed Programa Violeta: a support network offering listening, guidance and referrals for women experiencing violence. Because if violence leaves marks on the body and the mind, it is also a health issue. And health issues must be treated. Programa Violeta was created to break the silence and to do what should have been done all along.