17 YEARS OF THE MARIA DA PENHA LAW: LEGAL ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GENDER VIOLEN

17 YEARS OF THE MARIA DA PENHA LAW: LEGAL ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE.

Selma Lopes dos Santos

Ana Paula da Silva Sotero

ABSTRACT

In recent years, gender-based violence has become more evident and has increased considerably over time. Aggression against women takes many forms, including coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation and phys- ical and psychological aggression, among others. Law 11.340/2006, known as the Maria da Penha Law, has provided greater protection for women who are victims of domestic violence. Before this law, there was no specific legislation aimed at this type of behavior, which guaranteed that the aggressor would be punished rigorously and also established protection measures for these victims. The aim of this paper is to analyze the problem of gender violence, present the introduction of special legislation to tackle this problem, evaluate its effectiveness and discuss the legal challenges faced by the legislation created.

Keywords: Legal challenges. Maria da Penha Law. Gender violence.