Amendment to the Maria da Penha Law approved to protect the victim’s name.

On May 22, 2024, Law No. 14,857/24 was enacted, amending Law No. 11,340/06 (Maria da Penha Law), to mandate the confidentiality of the victim’s name in cases of investigation of domestic and family violence against women.

Article 17-A and its sole paragraph were included to stipulate that “the victim’s name will remain confidential in proceedings investigating crimes committed in the context of domestic and family violence against women ,” an essential measure to safeguard the dignity and privacy of affected women. It is important to note that confidentiality applies only to the victim’s name, leaving the name of the perpetrator and other case data available to the public.

The amendment to the Maria da Penha Law by the new legislation seeks to provide an additional layer of protection for women, preserving not only their physical integrity but also their mental and psychological well-being. This measure is crucial to prevent revictimization, a phenomenon in which the victim is exposed to new trauma due to the publicity of her case.

At the signing ceremony, held at the Palácio do Planalto, it was highlighted that this measure will allow women to seek justice without fear of public exposure of their private lives.

Law 14.857/24 represents an important step in the fight against domestic and family violence, promoting a safer and more respectful environment for victims seeking justice.