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Lei Maria da Penha marks 20 years in Brazil amid high violence rates
Brazil is marking the 20th anniversary of the Lei Maria da Penha in 2026, a landmark law designed to combat domestic and family violence against women. The legislation recognizes five types of violence: physical, psychological, sexual, patrimonial, and moral. In 2026, the scope was expanded to include vicarious violence.
Despite legal advancements and increased visibility, violence remains high. In 2025, Brazil recorded 1,571 femicides, the highest in the historical series. Statistics indicate that 8.8% of women murdered in 2025 had active protective orders at the time of their death.
Data from the National Council of Justice (CNJ) shows a record number of protective measures being sought, with two women requesting such measures per minute in 2026. In the first half of 2026, 336,630 protective measures were granted, representing a 61% increase over 2022. Approximately 89% of these requests resulted in favorable decisions. Experts and magistrates emphasize that while the legal framework is robust, achieving true safety requires deep cultural shifts to combat misogyny and strengthen the comprehensive support networks for victims.
Entities
Agosto Lilás · Ana Graziela Vaz de Campos Alves Corrêa · Brasil · Brazil · Brazilian Government · Conselho Nacional de Justiça · Dourados · Forum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública · Guarda Municipal do Rio de Janeiro · Juliana Brandão · Lei Maria da Penha · Lei Maria da Penha
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Brazil recorded 1,571 femicides in 2025, the highest number in the historical series. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · diariopcd.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · contracs.org.br · jornaldosmunicipios.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 8.8 % of women murdered in 2025 had an active protective order at the time of the crime. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Magistrates say cultural change is the biggest challenge to ending violence against women. bastidoresdopoder.com.br · nx1.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 336,630 protective measures were granted in the first half of 2026, a 61 % increase over 2022. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Two women request protective measures per minute in Brazil in 2026. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 89 % of protective order requests resulted in favorable decisions in 2026. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [● 19 SOURCES] The Lei Maria da Penha turned 20 years old in 2026. bastidoresdopoder.com.br · nx1.com.br · paraibainforma.com.br · www.reportermt.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +8 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dourados launched the Sistema de Monitoramento e Acolhimento (Soma) project to protect women victims of domestic violence.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Lei Maria da Penha was enacted on 7 August 2006. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · maisminas.org
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Lei Maria da Penha incorporated vicarious violence into its scope in 2026. bastidoresdopoder.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · maisminas.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ronda Maria da Penha has 79 guards and has assisted over 20,000 women with no femicide among them. tribunadaserra.com.br · rioemfoco.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Palmeiras publicly supported the anti‑violence campaign on the 20th anniversary of the Lei Maria da Penha. palmeirasonline.com