Brazil founds shelter network for abuse victims
March 14, 2013
The "Women: Living without Violence" program was recently unveiled in Brazil at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia. The plan will invest $135 million to build shelters for female victims of domestic violence in state capitals across the nation. According to a government estimate, roughly 10 Brazilian women were victims of sexual abuse every hour last year.
"Women will have access to all public services, including security, healthcare and social assistance, in a single place," said President Dilma Rousseff.
In addition to establishing more shelters throughout Brazil, the program aims to improve medical treatment for victims of abuse. An emergency hotline will be expanded to assist more women. The program also seeks to prevent violence through educational campaigns.
Due to a law signed in 2006 by previous Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, there are special courts in all states to try cases of domestic and family violence. The same law also tripled punishments for those convicted.
Those interested in the "Women: Living without Violence" program can make calls to Brazil using prepaid phone cards.