The routine of the street outreach office team: Procedures and care for the homeless

Attention to Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Street Outreach Office

“…The majority of homeless people who were victims of physical or sexual violence did not receive any type of assistance, demonstrating the weakness in access to health care for this population [ 1 , 14 ]. It is noted that the lack or delay in assisting the victims of sexual violence has a negative impact on their physical health due to the risk of acquiring infections, the occurrence of pregnancies, plus emotional and social repercussions, including stress, depression, suicide and substance abuse [ 14 ]. In this way, it becomes imperative to provide comprehensive care to homeless women regarding their vulnerability to violence.…”

“…The Brazilian National Policy for the Homeless Population (PNHP) represents a milestone in the defense of the right to health of the Brazilian homeless people [ 12 ]. The Street Outreach Office team’s work stands out here as a health care strategy for the homeless population, whose objective is to articulate and provide comprehensive health in the territory [ 13 ], with the incorporation of harm reduction, disease prevention and promotion and health education practices [ 11 , 14 ].…”

“…The Street Outreach Office articulates the access of its users to primary health care services that are gateways to the health system in Brazil. In addition, they operate on an itinerant basis, developing actions locally, in street scenarios [ 14 ] by building a therapeutic setting based on bonding and welcoming the homeless population [ 14 , 15 ].…”