Brazil's Chamber approves bill to enhance states' fight against feminicide

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has approved a significant bill aimed at enhancing the national response to violence against women and combating feminicide. The proposed legislation establishes a National System for Confronting Violence Against Girls and Women, designed to be organized by the Ministry of Women and operate in a decentralized and integrated manner.

The core objective of this system is to articulate and promote public policies for the prevention and confrontation of violence against women at the level of each federal entity. The bill emphasizes strengthening protection and care networks, with a particular focus on situations carrying a risk of feminicide. It also seeks to improve the production, integration, transparency, protection, and responsible use of data and indicators related to this issue.

The project garnered substantial support, passing with 470 votes in favor and only one against. While praising the bill's merits, the dissenting vote was based on an objection to earmarking specific funds for public policies. The financing for the system is envisioned to come from existing resources allocated to combating violence against women, as well as a minimum of 10% of annual investments from states that have adhered to the Propag program (Program for Full Payment of State Debts).

Initially, the proposal included a specific allocation of R$5 billion, but this was modified following suggestions from the federal government. The approved text mandates that states present an action plan detailing the use of funds, including specific goals, actions, timelines, and cost estimates. A regulation may also establish deadlines for publication and consequences for non-compliance.

The funds are intended for various initiatives, such as implementing educational policies to combat the culture of violence against women, especially targeting men and boys. It will also support strengthening care networks for women experiencing violence and developing mechanisms to combat digital violence against women and girls. The rapporteur, Deputy Jandira Feghali, stated that the law integrates prevention, accountability, and existing punitive measures.