Brazil’s top court beefs up protections for women against violent men
The court said the 2006 law now covers persecution, threats and harassment outside the home, and 340,000 protective measures were granted in early 2026.
- On Wednesday, Brazil's Supreme Court unanimously ruled to expand the Maria da Penha law, extending protections to out-of-home violence including persecution, threats, and harassment.
- The 2006 legislation previously applied only to domestic incidents for two decades; the court now allows prosecution of attackers without family or sentimental connections to victims.
- Justice Carmen Lúcia, the court's only female member, noted violence has grown despite the 2006 law; government data shows 340,000 protective measures granted in early 2026, a 170% increase since 2020.
- Lúcia emphasized that violence is a matter of power dynamics, with many femicides occurring outside homes in situations often ignored by police.
- Following an August 2 protest on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro demanding stronger laws, the court's ruling signals responsiveness to public pressure against misogyny and femicide.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Brazil's Top Court Extends Its Domestic-Violence Protections Beyond the Home
Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that Maria da Penha protective measures can be granted where there is no domestic or family link to the aggressor. The post Brazil’s Top Court Extends Its Domestic-Violence Protections Beyond the Home appeared first on The Rio Times.
The Toronto Star
Brazil’s top court beefs up protections for women against violent men
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil's Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Wednesday to significantly expand the scope of the country's landmark law to protect women from violence.
Associated Press News
Brazil's top court beefs up protections for women against violent men
Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled on Wednesday to significantly expand the scope of the country’s landmark law to protect women from violence.
The Supreme Federal Court of Brazil unanimously ruled Wednesday to significantly expand the scope of a flagship law in the country to protect women from violence.
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