Maceió court mandates school enrollment for children of domestic violence victim

A court in Maceió has ordered the municipal education department to guarantee school enrollment for the two children of a domestic violence victim, regardless of current vacancy availability. Judge Soraya Maranhão Silva issued the ruling, granting the municipal education secretariat a 15-day deadline to comply with the order.

The case was brought to light through the João e Maria Program. Following the granting of urgent protective measures, a multidisciplinary team identified several urgent needs for the family's reorganization, including legal guidance for divorce and alimony, housing registration, and psychological and health support.

The judge emphasized that access to childcare and preschool is essential for the mother to enter the workforce and provide for her own subsistence. The decision cites the Brazilian Constitution and the Maria da Penha Law, which establishes priority for the enrollment or transfer of dependents of domestic violence victims to educational institutions near their residence.