Abstract

Objective: This study explores varying dimensions in addressing violence against women (VAW) and identifies both barriers and facilitators in addressing violence against women (VAW) with perspective of health professional of two different contexts: Catalonia and Costa Rica. Methodology: it is a qualitative study that was realized by conducting sixteen interviews with professionals from different areas of health and from different fields related to the health sector, all with an expertise in VAW. Results: Show six dimensions that include aspects that function as barriers and facilitators. Our findings indicate common barriers, a lack in consolidation of activities in promotion of prevention of VAW. About facilitators: a shared inter-institutional framework, the recognition of a professional network, the reflection of health paradigms, violence and gender in the care model, the deconstruction of learned practices in one's own formation, and the role of personal interests and motivations in the execution of a professional role and, the self-care of professional working. Conclusion: The knowledge of the barriers and facilitators from a health activity can be useful in decision making for managers, planners, and health professionals as they address VAW in the health field, common, inter-institutional framework that permits recognition of a professional network, and, in this way, constitutes a support system. Activities promoting and preventing VAW have been identified as pending efforts in diminishing VAW.

Key words: Gender-Based Violence; Health policy; Qualitative Research; Costa Rica; Catalonia