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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.
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.