VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA CONTRA A MULHER: AVALIAÇÃO ODONTOLEGAL DA GRAVIDADE DAS LESÕES BUCOMAXILOFACIAIS NO ESTADO DO CEARÁ

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Physical violence is one of the main causes of maxillofacial injuries in women who are victims of domestic violence, particularly due to the vulnerability of the head and neck region. This study aimed to assess the severity of maxillofacial injuries in women victims of domestic violence examined by forensic odontologists from the Forensic Expertise of the State of Ceará, between July 2019 and July 2024. A documentary, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study was conducted, in which data on type and severity of injury, presence of sequelae, and the victim’s relationship to the aggressor were collected from forensic reports. A total of 324 reports were analyzed, with 2022 and 2023 showing the highest number of cases. The most prevalent injuries affected soft tissues, with a higher incidence of bruises, and most were classified as mild. Current or former partners were the most frequently identified aggressors. Most reports were issued in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period, when victims were more likely to file complaints. Although the most frequent injuries did not cause significant organic repercussions, they left traumatic marks. It is concluded that the period between 2022 and 2023 had the highest prevalence of cases of violence against women, with mild injuries being the most frequent across all years, and current or former partners as the most common aggressors. These findings highlight the crucial role of forensic dental evaluation in holding aggressors accountable, enforcing protective measures for women, and guiding public policies to combat domestic violence.

Keywords: forensic dentistry; domestic violence; bodily injury.