Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)The use of protocols in health care for women suffering from sexual violence was analyzed from the standpoint of health professionals. It involved a qualitative study conducted in 18 institutions with 140 professionals interviewed in Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro. After organization of the data, the clusters of meaning pointed to the potential benefits of the use of protocols; limits to be faced in the adoption of protocols; and the need for protocol development and professional training. The results revealed points of convergence and divergence between the two municipalities regarding the use of protocols in health care for women suffering from sexual violence. In Rio de Janeiro, the adoption of protocols in the services by the majority of interviewees and the existence of an established reporting system are acknowledged and involve the work of professionals from different areas. In Fortaleza, the participants of only one institution mentioned the use of protocols and an internal reporting system. In both capitals, professional qualifications to work with women suffering from sexual violence is inadequate due to the limited coverage of the issue during the undergraduate years of the healthcare professions and the lack of training in the health services. © 2016, Associacao Brasileira de Pos - Graduacao em Saude Coletiva. All rights reserved.211239573965CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)