What is Purple August?
Amid such alarming figures, Purple August emerges as a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness and combating violence against women. Created in 2016 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Maria da Penha Law, enacted on August 7, 2006, and considered one of Brazil’s most important tools in the fight against domestic violence, the initiative seeks to expand public discussion on the issue.
In addition to raising awareness, the campaign informs the public, encourages prevention, promotes access to support and assistance, and highlights the rights guaranteed to women under Brazilian law.
Another key objective is to publicize reporting channels and strengthen the network of protection for women by connecting victims with support services and showing that pathways to safety and justice exist. Throughout the month, public institutions, schools, and companies organize lectures, awareness campaigns, events, and educational activities. These initiatives also emphasize that violence against women is not limited to physical abuse and can manifest in many other forms.
More than just an awareness campaign, Purple August seeks to encourage collective reflection. However, rates of violence against women, whether physical, psychological, sexual, moral, or economic, continue to rise, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that address the issue.
Maria da Penha Law
Named in honor of pharmacist Maria da Penha Maia Fernandes, who survived two attempted femicides committed by her husband and spent years fighting for justice, the law was created in response to the severe reality of domestic violence in Brazil and the urgent need to provide greater protection for women.
Over the past two decades, the legislation has contributed to significant advances, including the expansion of emergency protective measures, the strengthening of Specialized Police Stations for Women’s Assistance (DEAMs), and increased public awareness of domestic violence.
Twenty years after its creation, the Maria da Penha Law remains a landmark in the fight for women’s rights. However, its effectiveness depends on more than legislation alone. In many smaller municipalities, where access to specialized police stations and support services is limited, leaving the protection network unequal and insufficient.
Report It!
When discussing violence against women, many people associate the issue solely with physical abuse. However, violence can take many other forms. In this context, reporting abuse plays a fundamental role in combating gender-based violence.
According to the 20th Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, Brazil recorded 1,571 femicide victims in 2025, a 4% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number ever registered since the crime began to be officially tracked. In addition to femicide, reports of stalking increased by 18.2%, while cases of psychological violence continue to affect thousands of women across the country.
Reporting abuse can be the first step toward breaking a cycle of violence that often becomes increasingly severe over time. More than an individual act, reporting is a tool for collective protection. By breaking the silence, women help bring visibility to a reality that continues to affect thousands of Brazilian women every day and reinforce the importance of a society that refuses to remain silent in the face of violence.
No life should be marked by fear. Every report represents an opportunity to stop violence before it reaches its most tragic outcome. May the names of Maria da Penha, Eloá Pimentel, Mariana Ferrer, and Eliza Samudio serve as reminders that no woman should have to face violence alone. The Women’s Helpline (Ligue 180) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Report it today.
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The article above was edited by Rafaela Mina.
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