Campinas Sees 21.5% Surge in Protective Orders for Domestic Violence Victims in H1 2026
Campinas, São Paulo, has experienced a significant 21.5% increase in protective orders granted to victims of domestic violence during the first half of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. The São Paulo State Court of Justice reported that 1,408 protective measures were issued between January and June 2026, averaging seven per day. This figure surpasses the 1,158 measures recorded in the first six months of 2025. These urgent protective orders, established by the Maria da Penha Law, aim to safeguard victims' physical, psychological, sexual, patrimonial, and moral well-being. They can mandate the aggressor's removal from the residence, prohibit contact, and suspend firearm permits. A woman who wished to remain anonymous shared her experience of physical and verbal abuse by her ex-husband, who allegedly pressured her to abort their child and threatened to take custody of their son. She emphasized the crucial role of legal guidance and the protective order in alleviating fear and improving her emotional, psychological, and physical health. The Center for Reference and Support for Women (Ceamo) in Campinas provides essential support, including psychological counseling and legal orientation, for victims. Ceamo's coordinator, Graziela Bispo, highlighted the importance of prevention and education, as many women struggle to identify abusive situations. The center also offers continuous monitoring of victims via WhatsApp, assessing risk levels and ensuring compliance with protective orders. Victims can request protective measures through police stations, the electronic police portal, the Public Prosecutor's Office, or the Public Defender's Office. In emergencies, the Military Police can be contacted via 190.
The reported rise in protective orders in Campinas reflects increased judicial responsiveness to domestic violence, potentially driven by greater awareness and more accessible reporting mechanisms. However, a 21.5% increase also suggests a persistent or growing prevalence of domestic violence incidents. The reliance on legal orders, while critical for immediate safety, highlights systemic challenges in preventing violence at its root. Future efforts should focus on proactive community-based interventions and educational programs to foster healthier relationship dynamics and address the underlying societal factors contributing to domestic abuse, ensuring that legal protections are a last resort rather than a primary indicator of ongoing societal issues.
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