Responsibility of health professionals in the notification of cases of violence

Abstract Violence, characterized by various forms and manifestations, cannot continue to be seen by health professionals as a matter unrelated to their work. This study aimed to analyze the responsibility of health professionals in reporting cases of violence. The search was performed through the Virtual Health Library, in the period 2008-2013. From the analysis, three thematic axes emerged: “Brazilian legislation”; “health professional’s responsibility in the reporting process”; and “health professionals’ code of ethics”. It is concluded that the majority of articles regarding codes of ethics point to the need to report cases of violence to their respective councils, authorities and competent bodies. Though, it is noted that they do not make explicit the obligation to notify cases of violence. Thus, it is necessary to review each of the codes of ethics in the field of health, considering the importance of referring specifically to violence.