Factors associated with violence against women in the previous life of imprisoned women

From a public health perspective, the disproportionate burden of physical and psychiatric illness in the prison system presents a challenge and an opportunity for interdisciplinary action around the world. Objective: to verify the prevalence and factors associated with violence in the previous life of female prisoners of the Campinas Penitentiary for Women – SP. Method: this is a cross-sectional study conducted with 1,013 inmates. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: 40.3% of the women suffered psychological violence and 31.2% suffered physical/ sexual violence. Non-white skin color (OR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.81), tranquilizer use (OR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.04-1.93), physical violence reported before 15-year-olds (OR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.05-1.87) and common mental disorder (OR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.47-2.60) were positively associated to psychological violence. The prevalence of physical violence was higher in single/divorced/separated women, in those who witnessed physical aggression in childhood and with positive CMD screening. Conclusion: among the gender-specific demands, violence against women deserves special attention, since it is a recurring offense that causes irreparable damage to the physical and psychological health of the victims, thus constituting a public health problem. Actions to promote health and peace culture must be worked on from childhood.