Maria da Penha Law: Two decades of evolution in Brazil

The Maria da Penha Law (Law No. 11.340), sanctioned in August 2006 to combat domestic and family violence against women in Brazil, is approaching its 20th anniversary. Since its inception, the legislation has undergone significant evolution, with approximately thirty different laws altering its original structure.

Key developments include the 2017 reform, which established rights to specialized, uninterrupted police and forensic services, preferably provided by female officers. It also mandated that states prioritize the creation of specialized women's assistance police stations and feminicide investigative units. In 2018, a major milestone was reached with the creation of a specific criminal offense for violating protective measures, moving beyond the previous classification of simple disobedience.

In September 2025, Law No. 15.212 officially renamed the text to the Maria da Penha Law.