Gabriela Manssur: women’s rights and the female struggle for equality

*By the prosecutor Gabriela Manssurcreator of the platform Justiça de Saia (@justicadesaia)

Starting with this issue, I open space for a dialogue on women’s rights. Not only do I want to share experiences, but I want to make sure you are aware of your guarantees, encourage you to seek help if you or someone close to you needs it, and inspire you to become stronger in the daily struggle for women’s equality.

1) PAGE TURN

I think that’s how it is for most people: the arrival of the new year makes me ask what I want for the period. The answer is always the same. I want justice for women. This time, I begin this column with renewed excitement. And I already propose a challenge to you. I would like us to take this endeavor forward collectively, empowering the women around us so that no one suffers because of their gender, and asking ourselves how much empathy, time and dedication we are donating to each other in the battle for equality, empowerment and justice. After all, who helps one favors all. Do you accept the provocation?”

2) NO MEDICINE?

One of the reasons why Brazil is still the fifth country in the world in terms of the number of feminicides, despite having one of the most complete legislations regarding violence against women, is the weak rehabilitation of perpetrators of aggression. It is of little use to strengthen and protect the woman if the man does not abandon patterns of behavior. It is proven that projects that focus on men also reduce statistics. This is the case of “Awakening Time”. In the last edition, we accompanied 41 men for four months, giving them space to reflect on their mistakes and dilemmas. Half were repeat offenders, but did not commit violence again or break the protective measure. That means more abuse-free women.”

3) THE MALE ROLE

The defense of women’s rights is also the duty of men in the judiciary. Judge Mario Assumpção Filho, from the Court of Combating Domestic and Family Violence in the East Zone, in São Paulo, draws attention to the male role. “When men wake up to their own comfort, in a patriarchal and sexist country, they also need to oppose the construction of gender stereotypes to transform this situation”, he says. Not being violent is not enough. We need to act in favor of women. You must turn to close men with a critical eye to observe inappropriate behavior and suggest changes.”

Fighting for women is raising your head and moving forward, taking one, two or thousands along with you.

Gabriela Manssur

4) SCALES OF JUSTICE

Even with the weight of the many cases of violence that occurred in 2019, I believe that the balance of justice was positive for women last year. An example of this is the increase in requests for protective measures by women under threat of domestic violence. Between January and October alone, more than 95,000 measurements were issued in the state of São Paulo alone, which represents an increase of 25% compared to 2018 and 196% compared to 2013, when these numbers began to be computed. . This shows that women are more aware of when they are taking risks and that they are better aware of the resources they have. However, it should be noted that it is not common for them to seek help after the first episode of violence. What often happens is that they wait thinking that the aggression will not be repeated again and they are unprotected during this period. Protective measures – which can ensure the removal of the aggressor from the home and places that women frequent, restrict communication by any means and suspend the possession and possession of firearms – must be requested at a police station or at the Ministry Public, at the Public Defender’s Office, by a lawyer, or even at the registry office of a Forum that houses a Violence Against Women Court. And if the author of the facts fails to comply with the measure, he will be arrested.

5) THE LAW IS FOR EVERYONE

In higher courts, there is already a consensus that the Maria da Penha Law protects all women, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Last year, lesbians, transgender people and transvestites gained another necessary welcome after the Federal Supreme Court ruled that violence against LGBT+ is an aggravated crime, as well as the crime of racism. This violence even affects women with financial autonomy and privileges. Such was the case with prosecutor McDowell, recently the victim of a lesbophobic attack by the defense attorney in a murder trial. The man made disparaging remarks about her homosexuality. After the episode, took a stand: “I will not make myself even more vulnerable by putting silence as a weapon in the hands of my enemies”.