The role of the State in the initial protection of women in situations of domestic violence: policeassistance, urgent measures, and economic vulnerability

Abstract

Domestic violence against women constitutes a serious violation of human rights and reveals structural failures in state action, especially at the initial stage of protecting victims. Although Law No. 11,340/2006 (the Maria da Penha Law) represents a normative milestone in combating gender-based violence, its effectiveness depends on the integrated and immediate action of public agencies responsible for reception, incident reporting, and the implementation of urgent protective measures. This study analyzes the role of the State in the initial protection of women in situations of domestic violence, with an emphasis on police assistance, the granting and monitoring of protective measures, and the implications of economic vulnerability for the effectiveness of these responses. The analysis is grounded in the obstacles victims face when seeking institutional assistance, such as a lack of training among public officials, revictimization, and insufficient public policies aimed at women’s economic autonomy. The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory methodology, based on bibliographic and documentary review, including the analysis of legislation, doctrinal works, institutional reports, and official data. Through a juvenile, interdisciplinary, and critical-reflective approach, the study seeks to understand domestic violence as an expression of historical and structural gender inequalities. It concludes that initial protection remains insufficient, requiring coordinated state action among public security, justice, and social assistance sectors to break the cycle of violence and promote women’s dignity, autonomy, and citizenship.