Misogyny, sexual violence, and the intersectoral network for women’s care:

a narrative review

Abstract

Sexual violence against women is one of the most serious and complex manifestations of gender inequality, rooted in sociocultural structures historically marked by misogyny, patriarchy, and asymmetrical power relations. Its impacts transcend the individual level, causing extensive physical, psychological, and social harm to victims, which requires coordinated intersectoral responses that integrate the health, social assistance, public safety, and justice systems. This study aims to analyze the relationship between misogyny, sexual violence, and the performance of the intersectoral network providing care for women. To this end, a narrative literature review was conducted, employing a descriptive and qualitative approach. The literature review was conducted in June and July 2026, covering scientific articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese and English, as well as national legal treatises, books, book chapters, master’s theses, and undergraduate theses. The evidence identified was organized into three thematic areas: misogyny and sexual violence from an intersectional perspective; sexual violence and victim treatment throughout the legal process; and the intersectoral support network, comprehensive care, and coordination of public policies. The findings confirm that addressing sexual and gender-based violence goes beyond the normative dimension, as it requires the implementation of intersectoral public policies, ongoing training for the professionals involved, and the strengthening of care pathways and preventive strategies capable of bringing about changes in the values, practices, and structures that perpetuate misogyny.