Domestic Violence: How to Seek Help?

Federal Government data indicates that, in the first half of 2022 alone, more than 169,000 reports of domestic violence were registered on the service channel. However, many women still do not know where to seek help in cases of domestic violence .

This is because many cases of domestic violence are still underreported, due to the limited dissemination of reporting channels or the difficulty women have in reporting and escaping the cycle of domestic violence.

With that in mind, continue reading this article to find out where to seek help in cases of domestic violence or to help women you know who are in situations of violence.

What is domestic violence?

In 2006, the Maria da Penha Law, which aims to create mechanisms to prevent domestic and family violence against women, defines, in art. 5, what domestic violence means:

“For the purposes of this Law, domestic and family violence against women is considered to be any action or omission based on gender that causes death, injury, physical, sexual or psychological suffering and moral or patrimonial damage (...) within the domestic unit, the family or in any relationship of affection”

Therefore, once the concept of domestic violence has been defined, it is important that every woman seeks specialized help to avoid the occurrence of more serious circumstances, such as femicide.

Where to seek help in case of violence?

According to data from the World Health Organization in 2013, Brazil ranked 5th among the countries with the highest number of murders of women. Of these homicides, approximately 30% occur in the home. Therefore, knowing where to seek help can help you stay safe and sound.

The first channel is the Women's Support Center. If you are experiencing domestic violence, simply call 180 to report the incident. The Center is responsible for registering and forwarding reports to the appropriate agencies.

The Call Center can also provide other types of information and guide women to the closest service to their home or the one appropriate for each situation: Women's Police Station (DEAM), Public Defender's Offices, Brazilian Women's House, Reference Centers, Integrated Women's Service Centers and others.

As this is a reporting channel, calls are free, there is no additional cost, and the service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout Brazil. The idea is to provide support to women who wish to report situations of violence at any time.

Where to look for help in São Paulo?

If you are a woman and live in São Paulo, you can seek help at the Women's Defense and Coexistence Centers (CDCMs) , located in different regions of the city.

The Women's Reference Centers (CRMs) , which offer guidance, psychological, legal and social assistance, are open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, and are located in Vila Clementino, Brasilândia, Capão Redondo and in the Center.

Shelters, in turn, are places where women receive housing and full-time care. To be accommodated , women must be at imminent risk of death due to domestic violence. It is confidential and to have access, simply contact one of the centers above.

To all women experiencing domestic violence: Don't hesitate to seek help. If you liked this content, you can check out other articles like this on our website .