Abstract

SILVA, Rhonan Ferreira da et al. Professional practice of the dentist in light of the "Maria da Penha" law. RSBO (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.7, n.1, pp. 110-116. ISSN 1984-5685.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, violence against women represents a social problem that has been focused in several public health programs, since this practice occurs in all social classes. Therefore, based on the fact that women are considered the vulnerable part in a family relationship, the Law number 11.340/2006, known as Maria da Penha law, was approved, enhancing the punishment to those who offend women of their own family. Among the several types of violence against women, those of physical nature are the ones more easily identified by health professionals, including dentists. OBJECTIVE AND CASE REPORT: This study reports two cases of violence against women with injuries in the head and neck region, in which the first victim was offended with a punch and lost two front teeth (serious injury), while the second victim was also offended with punches that produced orbital and perioral ecchymosis (mild injury) that decreased after thirty days. CONCLUSION: A proper record of the dental procedures performed in violence victims is of great ethical and legal importance, because these dental records may be requested to subsidize both a forensic dental evaluation and a lawsuit against the perpetrator.

Keywords : forensic dentistry; violence against women; legal liability.