Perceptions of women who were victims of family violence, treated at a CEM (Women’s Emergency Center) police station

Introduction. Research on violence against women must also be considered from the victims’ perspective. Objective. To understand the post-report perceptions of women who are victims of domestic violence and were assisted at a CEM (Comisaría Women’s Emergency Center), taking into account their empowerment, the service they received at the CEM, and their proposals for improving the CEM service. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, employing a case study method. The primary technique was a semi-structured, in-depth interview, and data analysis was performed with the ATLAS.ti v.23 software, using deductive data analysis, i.e., a theoretical framework constructed with predefined categories. A convenience sampling was conducted with three female participants who were victims of domestic violence and reported it at a CEM Comisaría. Results. Thoughts and attitudes of empowerment were found in the interviewees one year after being assisted at a CEM Comisaría. Additionally, two of the interviewees expressed satisfaction with the service they received, while the third interviewee indicated dissatisfaction with the service and interpersonal treatment. Furthermore, the users suggested that response times should be shorter and that they expect a more assertive and cordial treatment in all CEM Comisaría offices. Conclusions. The multidisciplinary service provided by the CEM Comisaría benefits women who are victims of violence; however, some aspects of the procedure and service require improvement.