Brazil’s top court beefs up protections for women against violent men
Summary
Brazil’s Supreme Court has expanded a law to protect women from violence, allowing it to apply outside the home and to cases where the attacker is not a family member or partner. This change aims to address threats, harassment, and violence women face in public places.Key Facts
- The court voted 10-0 to extend the Maria da Penha law beyond domestic violence.
- The law now covers violence such as stalking, threats, and harassment occurring outside the home.
- Attackers can be prosecuted even without a family or romantic connection to the victim.
- Brazil’s government reported nearly 340,000 urgent protective orders for women in the first half of 2026.
- This number is a 170% increase compared to the same period in 2020.
- Justice Carmen Lúcia said violence against women in Brazil is linked to power and that many cases outside the home are ignored.
- The ruling seeks to ensure quicker and more effective legal action to protect women.
- The 2006 Maria da Penha law was previously limited mostly to domestic violence situations.
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