LESÕES OROFACIAIS EM MULHERES VÍTIMAS DE VIOLÊNCIA NÃO FATAL: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA.

Abstract

Introduction: A large proportion of violent acts against women result in maxillofacial injuries. The facial region is the most recurrent site of physical violence, because the abuser wishes to highlight the victim's frailty and distance it socially, causing psychological, aesthetic and moral damage. Objective: To analyze the craniofacial regions most affected and the profile of women who have suffered non-fatal violence, with expertise carried out in the services of legal medicine or registered in the police stations' police reports. Method: This is an integrative literature review, with identification of articles in SciELO, MEDLINE/ PubMed, LILACS and BBO, using the keywords "domestic violence", "facial injury", "facial trauma" and its variants in languages English and Portuguese. Results: 14 studies were selected. The women's ages ranged from 16 to 64 years, with the majority having domestic occupations and financial dependence on their spouse or partner. The face was the body site most affected by injuries, as it is a vulnerable region. Most injuries are bruises from the use of a blunt instrument or physical force. Other injuries, such as dental fractures, tooth avulsion, facial fractures and edema, were also found. Conclusion: The upper third of the face was the most affected, especially the orbit, and the most common type of injury was bruises usually caused by partners. Early identification of injuries can help prevent femicide, as the victim can be guided on how to proceed.