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. Legislation that was for two decades applied to domestic…
The Supreme Court of Brazil unanimously ruled on Wednesday to significantly expand the scope of the Maria da Penha law, which protects women from violence. Previously, the law only applied to domestic incidents, but now it can be triggered in outdoor situations as well. The court's decision also extends the applicability of the law to cases where the attacker has no family or sentimental connection to the victim.
All 10 members of the court voted in favor of the expansion. The Maria da Penha law, named after a Brazilian woman who survived domestic violence, has been in place since 2006. However, Justice Carmen Lúcia, the only female member of the court, noted that violence against women in Brazil has been increasing despite the law. She emphasized that the law needs updating because many femicides occur outside of women's homes in situations that are reported to the police but ignored.
Lúcia criticized judges for rejecting accusations against men without justification and leaving urgent cases for Monday. The justice stated that with this ruling, the Supreme Court is finally showing concern for the violence women face in Brazil.
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