Maria da Penha Operation to fight feminicide in Brazil
The second edition of the Maria da Penha Operation was launched on Monday (Aug. 29) in Brazil, with the purpose of protecting women and fighting the several types of domestic violence against them – such as the feminicide, which, for the first time, is part of this operation under the coordination of the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety (MJSP).
Preventive and repressive actions will be implemented by civil and military police officers until September 27 in order to combat all forms of aggression against women. Besides serving warrants, arrests, and seizures, the operation aims to boost the establishment of procedures such as granting, requesting, and issuing urgent protective measures.
First edition
Over 127 thousand women were assisted during the first edition of the Maria da Penha Operation by 108.6 thousand agents from all administrative units in the country. According to the latest balance sheet, the operation resulted in 14.1 thousand arrests and 39.8 thousand protective measures requested or issued.
To curb this type of crime, Feminicide Law No. 13,104 was created in 2015, which provides qualifying circumstances for the crime of murder and includes this act in the list of heinous crimes. The law considers murder involving domestic and family violence, contempt, or discrimination against the condition of women.
The types of violence practiced against women can be physical, psychological, sexual, patrimonial, and moral.
Where to denounce
Cases of violation of women's rights - even suspected violations - can be reported to specialized police stations. Assistance and clarifications can also be obtained through phone numbers 180, 190, or 193.
