President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned this Thursday (25) Bill (PL) No. 2,221/2023, which provides for care for women victims of violence in a private and individualized environment in health services provided within the scope of the Unified System of Health (SUS).
“Another instrument of physical and emotional protection that safeguards the dignity of women victims of violence,” wrote Lula on his social media profile. “Support for public policies and the SUS is fundamental”, added the president.
During the sanction ceremony, at Palácio do Planalto, in Brasília, the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, said that the ministry must now regulate the existence and operation of reception rooms so that the law is complied with.
According to the minister, now the department will work harder so that, in all basic health units (UBS), in Family Health, there is this reception room, so that they all offer reception. “That all equipment agreed to by the SUS complies with the law, and that women and girls who are victims of violence arrive and can be welcomed without suffering any type of embarrassment – as we know happens” – added Nísia Tindade.
“People have to know that, if they are victims of violence, they will receive special support. And it’s not a favor. It is the Brazilian State’s obligation to take care of people. It is the obligation of the city hall, the health centers, the state government”, stated Lula, during the ceremony.
Understand
Bill No. 2,221/2023 was approved by the Senate on the 26th and went to presidential approval. The text guarantees exclusive reception rooms for women victims of violence in health services affiliated with or owned by the SUS.
At the time, the project’s rapporteur, senator Jussara Lima (PSD-PI), presented a favorable opinion in the plenary, highlighting the importance of welcoming and caring for women victims of violence appropriately, with privacy and protection of their physical integrity.
The text changes part of Law 8,080/1990, on health services, in the part where it defines guidelines for public health actions and services and contracted or contracted private services that are part of the SUS.
The guideline to which the requirement for reception rooms refers deals with specific and specialized public care with psychological support and other services.
Initiated by deputy Iza Arruda (MDB-PE), the project includes a paragraph in the Organic Health Law and restricts the access of third parties not authorized by the patient, especially the aggressor, to the physical space where she is.
The opinion emphasizes that health services are fundamental in welcoming women immediately after violence, as this is the place where they receive their first care after the attack.
*With information from Agência Senado
