“We fight hard to have rights”, Cristine Brandão on Maria da Penha Law protecting trans women

The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) analyzed and applied the Maria da Penha Law to the case of a trans woman assaulted by her father in an act of transphobia. Before this episode, there was no case judged by higher courts, which is a precedent for other cases that arise.

In a unanimous vote, this is the first time that the STJ extends the Law to transgender women who previously did not have the guarantee of the law in their favor, depending on the interpretation of the judge who judged the case.

The Maria da Penha Law was created in 2006 with the aim of protecting women from domestic or family violence. With the advancement of debates on the rights of trans people in society, the issue of expanding the law for trans women and transvestites became urgent.

Faced with this achievement, Dicas de Mulher spoke with Cristine Brandão, a trans woman and activist who debates issues like this.

Women’s Tips – What is your opinion on the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice to cover the application of the Maria da Penha Law for trans women?

Cristine Brandão – Law that should have been approved a long time ago, but it is still an achievement, even if late. This achievement was only possible because back then we, trans women, fought hard to have our rights respected and our space in society in a country that kills the most trans women in the world. I remain hopeful, the search for more respect and equality is a fight that has been going on for a long time.

Do you believe that this decision can reduce cases of violence against trans women?
I believe it can decrease and I want to believe so, but unfortunately, this law does not prevent violence, especially because cis women often do not report aggression because they do not feel safe. Often the aggressor remains free to commit other aggressions that can even be fatal and the same happens with trans women. I believe it can decrease, but not end. In any case, the protection of the law gives us a certain security.

Do you consider the decision a step forward for the trans community, or do you think it is a delayed decision?
Undoubtedly a long overdue decision, how many lives were not taken for the simple fact of being who they really are, people with dreams and a life ahead of them that unfortunately are no longer here. However, I am happy to know that we are starting to have our rights as people, having laws in our favor gives us hope for better days.

As a trans woman, have you ever found yourself in a situation of domestic or family violence?
Thank God I didn’t have that at home or with a family member, I feel privileged for that, but I’ve been through violence at school, in childhood and I still feel very bad when I remember. I can imagine how much worse it is when this happens indoors.

Channels for Complaint

A woman who is experiencing any type of domestic or family violence should seek help. For emergencies, call 190. It is possible to ask for help from the Military Police, who will send a vehicle to help the victim.

It is also possible to contact the Women’s Assistance Center, through the number 180. This center was created by the National Secretariat for Women’s Policies with the aim of welcoming women in situations of violence and registering complaints.

In addition to these channels, there are Special Police Stations for Assistance to Women, which are present in 427 Brazilian municipalities. Specialized in female care, they have a preventive and repressive nature and are responsible for welcoming, making complaints and even issuing urgent protective measures for women who are at risk.

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Although late, the protection of trans women by the Maria da Penha Law is a sign that the State recognizes them as women, a fundamental action to combat violence. In addition to women like Cristine, who fight for their lives every day, meet the cleric Alexya Salvador, the first transvestite to complete the adoption process in Brazil.