Protective Orders for Women in RS Quadruple in Five Years, Exceeding 53,000 in 2025
The number of protective orders granted in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, has more than quadrupled over the past five years, soaring from just over 12,000 in 2020 to over 53,000 in 2025. This increase of 40,715 records represents a 331% rise. In the first six months of 2025 alone, nearly 26,400 new orders were issued. This growth is attributed to mechanisms designed to enhance protection for women experiencing domestic violence, notably the National Risk Assessment Form (Fonar). This form, completed during police reports, uses 27 questions to identify a woman's vulnerability and guide judicial decisions, considering factors beyond the immediate incident, such as past abuse, prior violations, aggressor's access to firearms, and substance abuse issues.
Judiciary officials emphasize that the Fonar's comprehensive data allows for a more accurate assessment of a woman's risk level, informing all judicial decisions. While the Maria da Penha Law allows up to 48 hours for granting protective orders, the average processing time in RS is just one day, with many decisions made on the same day the request is filed. The effectiveness of this protection network relies heavily on victims reporting incidents, as domestic violence often occurs privately, making the woman's testimony crucial for more stringent measures. Despite challenges in online form completion without in-person assistance, institutions like the Public Defender's Office are assisting women in applying for these orders, especially in areas lacking specialized women's police stations. The revocation of these orders is also carefully managed, with judges sometimes requiring psychosocial evaluations to ensure victims understand the risks before ending protection, as requests for revocation may not always be voluntary.
The significant increase in protective orders in Rio Grande do Sul highlights a growing societal acknowledgment of domestic violence and an expansion of legal mechanisms to address it. This trend suggests an evolving response framework, potentially driven by increased reporting, greater awareness, and more robust judicial processes like the Fonar. However, the system's effectiveness hinges on victims' continued engagement and the judiciary's capacity to accurately assess risk and prevent re-victimization, particularly during order revocation. Future challenges may involve ensuring equitable access to these protective measures across all regions and socioeconomic groups, and addressing the underlying societal factors that contribute to domestic violence. The system's ability to adapt to evolving forms of abuse and to provide sustained support beyond initial legal protection will be critical in the coming decade.
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