Brazil’s Top Court Boosts Protections for Women Against Violent Men

On Wednesday, Brazil’s Supreme Court made a landmark ruling to significantly expand the scope of the country’s landmark law to protect women from violence. This decision comes after decades of advocacy from women’s rights groups and experts who have been pushing for a more comprehensive approach to addressing domestic and gender-based violence.

The Maria da Penha law, which was first introduced in 2006, has been a crucial tool in combating violence against women in Brazil. However, despite its effectiveness, the law has been criticized for its limited scope, which only applied to domestic incidents. The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling has now expanded the law’s application to include situations such as persecution, threats, and harassment outside the home.

Justice Carmen Lúcia, the only female member of the court, emphasized the need for the law to be updated, citing the growing trend of violence against women in Brazil. According to her, violence against women is not only a matter of physical harm but also a matter of power and control. She highlighted the fact that many femicides take place outside of women’s homes, and that the police often ignore reports of violence against women.

The Brazilian government has reported a significant spike in the number of urgent protective measures granted to women through the Maria da Penha law mechanisms. In the first semester of 2026, almost 340,000 measures were granted, a 170% increase compared to the same period in 2020. This demonstrates the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women in Brazil.

The Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant step forward in the fight against violence against women in Brazil. It acknowledges the complexity of the issue and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing it. By expanding the scope of the Maria da Penha law, the court has sent a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated in Brazil.

However, experts caution that this ruling is just the beginning of a long journey towards creating a safer and more equitable society for women in Brazil. They emphasize the need for continued advocacy and support for women’s rights groups and organizations working to combat violence against women.