Recognizing Signs: The Importance of Health Education in the Prevention of Violence

Abstract

Domestic violence is a public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, causing severe physical and mental health impacts on victims. Health education plays a crucial role in preventing domestic violence by raising awareness and empowering healthcare professionals to identify and intervene in cases of abuse. The objective of this review is to examine the literature on the role of health education in preventing domestic violence, identifying the most effective educational approaches and their outcomes. The method used was a narrative review, based on articles selected from Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using Boolean descriptors such as "domestic violence," "prevention," and "health education." Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the selection of 10 studies for analysis. The results indicate that educational interventions, such as digital training for healthcare professionals and life skills programs, have a positive impact on reducing cases of violence and empowering victims. Programs aimed at students and premarital couples also proved effective in long-term prevention. The conclusion suggests that health education is an effective strategy for both prevention and intervention in domestic violence cases. Public policies aimed at expanding these programs are essential for building a safer and more aware society.