Maria da Penha (Karen Chavez Acevedo)

Maria da Penha was born and raised in Brazil. She was married to a man who abused her and their children throughout their marriage and attempted to take her life twice. As a victim of domestic violence, Maria da Penha believed that her government would help her seek justice. Unfortunately, it took several years for her case to reach the courtroom, and even when her ex-husband was finally prosecuted, he served only two years in prison. Her case highlighted the Brazilian government's inadequate response to domestic violence. To seek justice for herself and other victims of domestic violence, she took her case to a higher court. Her activism led to the passing of the Maria da Penha Law in 2006, which established stronger protections for women facing domestic violence and provided support for mothers and their families.

Celebrate People's History!
An original podcast created for LAST 495W with Dr. Hannah Burdette, Spring 2025