Maria da Penha Patrols in Brazil (Fighting Gender-Based Violence)
The Brazilian government made history in 2006 by creating the ground-breaking Maria da Penha law against domestic violence. However, even excellent laws require implementation. Under the Maria da Penha law, survivors of violence gained important new legal protections, such as restraining orders. But many of these protective measures were not being fully monitored and enforced. To remedy this issue, in 2015 the federal government officially launched a national monitoring and enforcement patrolling program. The patrols are known as the Patrulhas Maria da Penha (Maria da Penha Patrols).
Hosted By
Brazil Institute
The Brazil Institute—the only country-specific policy institution focused on Brazil in Washington—works to foster understanding of Brazil’s complex reality and to support more consequential relations between Brazilian and US institutions in all sectors. The Brazil Institute plays this role by producing independent research and programs that bridge the gap between scholarship and policy, and by serving as a crossroads for leading policymakers, scholars and private sector representatives who are committed to addressing Brazil’s challenges and opportunities. Read more
