The shadow of gynaecological violence in the health management of gender-based violence

The proposed in-depth study consists of two parts. In the first one gender-based violence (GBV) will be explored, conceptualizing it as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women. Starting from the 1993 UN definition and the 2011 Istanbul Convention, different forms of GBV will be described, including harmful traditional practices, and sexual violence, with a focus on conflict-related sexual violence. The consequences of violence in the short, medium and long term on women's health will be analysed, emphasising how violence represents one of the main causes of morbidity, disability and mortality among female subjects. In the second part, the focus will be on the management by health professionals of women victims of violence, analysing what is suggested by the WHO and by the DPCM of 24 November 2017 currently in force in Italy. In this context, the clinical and forensic management of women survivors of sexual violence will be examined in depth, together with the risk factors for these women for gynaecological violence during the care pathway.