Brazil Advances Legal and Institutional Measures to Protect Women Against Political Violence
Brazil introduces new legislation and creates monitoring groups to protect women politicians from political violence and electoral harassment.
Key details
- The Chamber's Commission for the Defense of Women's Rights approved Bill 690/25 allowing women victims of political violence to disaffiliate from their party without losing their mandate.
- Deputy Sâmia Bomfim highlighted that the bill offers greater legal security to women politicians facing violence.
- The bill awaits further approval from the Constitutional and Justice Commission and the Chamber's Plenary.
- Bahia's Secretaria de Justiça e Direitos Humanos formed a working group to monitor and prevent political violence and electoral harassment, responding to 19 reported cases.
In a significant move to combat political violence targeting women, Brazilian authorities have introduced crucial legal and institutional measures aimed at protecting female politicians. On November 5, 2026, the Commission for the Defense of Women's Rights in the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 690/25, which allows women victims of political violence to disaffiliate from their political parties without losing their elected mandates. This amendment to the Political Parties Law addresses a critical legal gap, providing victims with greater security and ensuring they are not doubly penalized. Deputy Sâmia Bomfim, the bill's rapporteur, emphasized that the legislation clarifies what is already illegal—political violence against women—and states, "This clarification provides greater legal security for the mandate holder, the political party, and the Electoral Justice, reducing the risk that the victim will be penalized first by the violence suffered and then by the threat of losing their mandate." The bill, presented by Deputy Fernanda Pessoa, still awaits analysis by the Commission of Constitution and Justice and Citizenship and a vote by the Chamber’s Plenary before becoming law.
Complementing this legislative effort, the Secretaria de Justiça e Direitos Humanos (SJDH) in Bahia has established a specialized working group to monitor and combat political violence and electoral harassment within the state. Sparked by at least nineteen reported incidents, this group focuses on assisting victims, preventing further occurrences, and working closely with judicial institutions to investigate political violence and harassment effectively. Reports can be submitted through the national human rights hotline, Disque Cem, or directly to SJDH’s ombudsman.
These initiatives reflect Brazil’s growing institutional commitment to address and curb political violence against women, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities female politicians face. Through legislative reforms and dedicated monitoring bodies, Brazil is working toward ensuring safer and more equitable political participation for women.
