“A Polícia das Mulheres”: percepções dos(as) policiais militares sobre a implementação da Ronda Maria da Penha em Feira de Santana-BA

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the implementation process of a public policy instrument to combat violence against women, the Operation Maria da Penha Patrol (OMPP), in the city of Feira de Santana - BA, focusing on the perceptions of police officers who supervise the Urgent Protective Measures (UPM). The theoretical-methodological basis of the research was developed from the theories of gender, gender violence, public action and public policy instruments. The investigation had a qualitative approach with analysis of secondary quantitative data, having as a starting point the literature review, analysis of documents and analysis of official statistics. Field research was carried out, with semi-structured interviews with 12 (twelve) police officers working in the ORMP. The collected data were categorized based on the content analysis of the interviewees' narratives, seeking to verify the discourses about gender violence, the implementation of the OMPP and the performance of the military police. From these dimensions of analysis, 6 (six) empirical categories were found: a) patriarchy and sexism as causes of gender violence; b) masculinized culture of the police and its reflections in Maria da Penha Patrol; c) realization of the Patrol through ostensive policing and its effects; d) police attendance practices and interaction with assisted women; e) importance of professional training to work in OMPP; f) challenges and advances in the execution of the Patrol. The results showed that the Patrol represents a very important instrument for the police officers in the fight against violence against women. Among the main conclusions, we highlight the importance of training with a gender perspective to work in the Patrol, especially in the context of the Military Police, as it is an institution with a masculinized culture. The Patrol model through ostensive policing can cause embarrassment in some women, constituting a reason for refusing follow-up. Finally, the research revealed the need for integration and communication between the organs of the Women's Protection Network, with the purpose of guaranteeing psychosocial assistance and avoiding revictimization practices.