Decision analysis in referrals of children and adolescent victims of violence: An ANP approach

Abstract

The information on violence against children and adolescents in institutions is limited to varying degrees, resulting in inadequate reporting and referrals to safety nets. This paper therefore aims to develop a care protocol that helps institutions in the Brazilian cities of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, and Bauru, São Paulo, to manage reports of violence against children and adolescents. The research used the Analytic Network Process Method (ANP) to improve the flow of victim referrals, making decisions according to the right violated and the type of violence involved. A survey showed that, from a general point of view, the health sector should be a priority point of referral for victims. In the specific cases of neglect and physical violence, social care and Child Protective Services are the priority sectors, respectively. The health sector is the priority for cases of psychological violence and sexual violence.