The Maria da Penha Law New approaches on old propositions. Where did we move on?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the obstacles and problems which have been encountered during the implementation process of Law 11340/2006, the Maria da Penha Law. The reflections presented are based on empirical data obtained during the research on “Access to Justice for Women in Situations of Violence. Comparative Study on Women’s Police Stations in Latin America (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Nicaragua)”. The survey was conducted between 2007 and 2009 in Belo Horizonte, and had as its core research 15 in-depth interviews with women who experienced violence in marital relations and who sought the women police station to register the incident. From the set of results, we selected some data as well as some thoughts that help to illustrate the daily life of law enforcement in that municipality. This text has reviewed aspects concerning the role of the police, the judiciary and the network of specialist services in assisting women who are victims violence. The goal is to provide elements for the debate about the application of Maria da Penha Law and contribute to its full implementation.