Brazil and Honduras pass sweeping domestic‑violence law reforms

Brazil enacted Federal Law 15.438, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, extending the period women have to file domestic‑violence complaints from six to twelve months. The change, based on a bill by Deputy Laura Carneiro and supported by Senator Dorinha Seabra, modifies the Penal Code, the Maria da Penha Law and the Criminal Procedure Code and took effect nationwide upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Honduras' Congress approved comprehensive reforms to its Law Against Domestic Violence, creating a mandatory electronic registry of convicted offenders, imposing lifetime bans on firearm possession, and prohibiting individuals with firm convictions from holding public office or obtaining a driver's license. The reforms also require electronic monitoring for perpetrators. Women’s rights groups pledged close oversight, with activist Suyapa Martínez stating, “Estaremos atrás del cumplimiento en cada una.”

Both countries aim to strengthen protection for victims and increase accountability for perpetrators, reflecting a regional push to modernize legal responses to gender‑based violence.