São Paulo: Protective Orders for Domestic Violence Victims Up 9% in First Half of 2026
In the first half of 2026, the judiciary in São Paulo granted 63,513 protective measures to women victims of domestic violence, representing an average of 351 measures per day. This figure marks a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 58,057 measures were issued. Over the last five years, the number of granted measures has more than doubled, growing by 105% from 30,857 in 2021 to 63,513 in the first half of 2026. These protective measures, mandated by the Maria da Penha Law, are urgent judicial orders designed to shield victims from various forms of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, patrimonial, and moral violence. They can prohibit aggressors from approaching or contacting the victim and provide essential support services. Judge Fernanda Yumi Furukawa Hata attributes the rise in granted measures partly to increased public awareness and information dissemination, which helps individuals recognize and report forms of violence beyond physical abuse. Data from the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) indicates a broader trend of increasing violence against women in the state. From January to May 2026, intentional bodily injury cases rose by 11% to 31,377, threats increased by 13.4% to over 46,000, and psychological violence saw a significant 38% surge to 2,706 reports. Despite similar overall homicide numbers, feminicide cases increased by 15%, resulting in 125 fatalities. Concurrently, violations of protective orders also escalated by 17.8% to 11,202 in the first five months of 2026. The SSP reported over 9,100 arrests and apprehensions related to domestic violence in the same period, a 25.5% increase from the previous year, and is utilizing electronic monitoring devices for aggressors, with 243 ankle monitors currently in use.
The reported increase in protective measures granted to victims of domestic violence in São Paulo, alongside rising incident reports for various forms of abuse, suggests a dual dynamic. On one hand, it may indicate enhanced judicial responsiveness and greater public awareness, enabling more victims to seek and obtain legal protection. On the other hand, the concurrent rise in reported incidents and violations of protective orders points to persistent societal challenges and potentially inadequate enforcement mechanisms. The data highlights the critical need for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches, as advocated by judicial officials, to address the complex roots of domestic violence. Future efforts should focus on strengthening prevention strategies, ensuring consistent and effective monitoring of aggressors, and fostering robust support systems for victims, recognizing that systemic issues require sustained, coordinated interventions beyond judicial orders alone.
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