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Brazil's Maria da Penha Law Marks 20 Years Amid Rising Femicide Rates
The Maria da Penha Law, Brazil's main legislation against domestic and gender‑based violence, celebrated its 20th anniversary on 7 August 2026. In the first half of 2026 the law enabled a record 337 000 protective measures, yet femicide deaths rose to 732 cases – an average of four women killed per day.
The milestone prompted a nationwide wave of awareness actions under the "Agosto Lilás" campaign. Initiatives included a women‑only metro carriage in Salvador, mobile protection units in Araçatuba and Guarujá, mutirões offering legal and health services in Guarujá and other cities, and public walks organized by the OAB in Teixeira de Freitas. A Senate debate on 6 August highlighted the law's achievements and the recent inclusion of "violência vicária" (vicarious violence) as a new category of abuse.
Enforcement of the law was underscored by a court ruling in Araguaína that sentenced a man to 3 years 4 months 4 days in prison and ordered R$6 000 in damages for breaching a protective order by publicly exposing his ex‑partner online and on television.
Entities
Agosto Lilás campaign · Araguaína · Araçatuba · Araçatuba municipality · Bahia State Government · Brazil · Brazilian Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights · Brazilian Senate · Caraguatatuba · Flávia Rodrigues · Gabrielle Tatih Pereira · Guarujá municipality
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Lei Maria da Penha. tvtnews.com.br · uvesp.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · badevalor.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government of Bahia launched a women‑only metro carriage in Salvador as part of Agosto Lilás. badevalor.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The book 'Trabalho dos Homens: Como Interromper Ciclos de Violência' by Paul Kivel, prefaced by Maria da Penha, promotes involving men in violence‑prevention efforts. portal.comunique-se.com.br · dicaappdodia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Poços de Caldas municipality organized a night‑run event for women during Agosto Lilás. www.jornalmantiqueira.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 11 % of men admit having committed aggression against women. tvtnews.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] 91% of women want expanded assistance, including psychological and legal support. tvtnews.com.br · portal.comunique-se.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] 54% of women have experienced some form of partner violence. tvtnews.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Maria da Penha Law was sanctioned on 7 August 2006. tvtnews.com.br · uvesp.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · destakjornal.com.br · es1.com.br · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Patrulha Maria da Penha arrested an 80‑year‑old man for violating a protective order in Volta Redonda. odia.ig.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] Brazil recorded 741 femicides in the first half of 2026. sbtnews.sbt.com.br · tvtnews.com.br · destakjornal.com.br · es1.com.br · ojornal.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bahia launched a women‑only metro carriage in Salvador as part of the Agosto Lilás campaign. badevalor.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ligue 180 was created in 2005 and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026, offering 24‑hour hotline service. www.mixvale.com.br