INSTITUTIONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST THE ELDERLY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

Resumo

INSTITUTIONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST THE ELDERLY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Luana Pereira da Silva¹; Rita de Cássia Martinez¹; Fabiana Veronez M. Gimenez2 Marília Medical School - FAMEMA, Marília, SP, Brazil. Marília Medical School - FAMEMA, Marília, SP, Brazil. ABSTRACT In Brazil, institutional violence against the elderly represents a sad reality that contrasts sharply with legal advancements such as the Statute of the Elderly (Law No. 10.741/2003) and the National Policy for the Elderly (Law No. 8.842/1994), which aim to guarantee their rights and dignity. This phenomenon, often veiled, manifests itself through the omission or inadequate action of the State and its agents, characterized by structural and organizational barriers and the passivity of professionals in the face of the needs of the elderly. Within the Brazilian Unified Health System (called SUS), institutional violence reflects the disarticulation of care networks and the lack of specific training for long -term care, directly impacting quality of life and access to essential services. It is assumed that the perception of elderly people, as well as their caregivers, is important to identify gaps, guarantee rights, and propose effective interventions that promote compr ehensive and respectful care. This study aims to analyze the perception of elderly people and their caregivers regarding institutional violence in public health care services, identifying the barriers that impede comprehensive care and quality of assistance. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study will be conducted in primary, secondary, and tertiary level of public health units in a city in the interior of São Paulo state. The target population will consist of elderly people (60 years or older) w ho use public health care services and their respective caregivers (formal or informal). The sample will be selected by convenience, seeking for diversity in profiles and experiences. After approval by the Research Ethics Committee (REC), participants will be interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide developed by the researchers themselves. The data will be analyzed using Thematic Analysis, aiming to deepen the understanding of their experiences, feelings, and suggestions. It is expected that the results highlight the magnitude and forms of manifestation of institutional violence in public health care services, as well as its consequences for the health and well -being of elderly people and their caregivers. The study aims to provide input for the reformulation of care protocols, the training of SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) professionals, and the implementation of more effective public policies, promoting a culture of respect, acceptance, and comprehensive care tailored to the specific needs of older adults.