Brazil Supreme Court expands protections for women

Brazil's Supreme Court has expanded legal protection for women facing gender-based violence, ruling that protective measures under the Maria da Penha law must apply even when the alleged aggressor is not a partner, relative or household member.

The unanimous decision by the court's 10 justices on Wednesday broadened a 2006 domestic violence law that had mainly been used in cases involving husbands, boyfriends or people in the same home. The ruling followed a case in which a state court refused protective measures for a woman who said she was stalked and received death threats from a neighbour.

The court said protective measures must apply to any gender-based violence against women, regardless of whether it happens in a domestic or family setting or in an intimate relationship. Such measures can include court orders requiring an alleged aggressor to keep a safe distance from the woman.

The law is named for Maria da Penha, who survived several murder attempts by her husband and was left paraplegic. Brazil made femicide a distinct crime in 2015. The Brazilian Public Security Forum, an NGO, said femicides rose 14.5% over five years and reached 1,571 deaths in 2025.