DDM online in SP records an increase in urgent protective measures by more than 50%.

The number of urgent protective measures requested by the São Paulo Women’s Police Station (DDM) online increased by 53.9% between 2022 and 2023. For the coordinator of the Women’s Police Station in the state of São Paulo, Jamila Jorge Ferrari, the data shows the importance of the resources offered by the government of São Paulo to protect victims of domestic violence and punish the perpetrators accordingly.

“From the moment a woman files a complaint, the police and the courts understand that she needs help and can offer help and protection. Protective measures save lives,” Jamilya explains.

In this regard, the São Paulo Civil Police provides mechanisms for women to report to the police in any way, in person or online, 24 hours a day.

According to the Civil Police, 17,536 security measures were requested in 2022 through online DDMs as well as 24/7 DDMs. In 2023, there were 26,996 requests through December. São Paulo has the largest number of female police stations in the country. There are 140 of them in total, or 40% of all units located throughout Brazil.

Women who are victims of any type of violence, domestic or family, can report their attackers, in person, to the Police Station for the Protection of Women (DDM) or to the police station in the area where they live.

They can also make a report through DDM Online (https://www.delegaciaeletronica.policiacivil.sp.gov.br/ssp-de-cidadao/home), at the electronic station of the São Paulo Civil Police. Services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

There are also other tools available in the state to protect women, such as SOS Mulher, which is a content platform on safety, health and financial independence.

Another form of protection is the panic button, an app that can be activated in the event of a dangerous situation, in addition to electronic ankle bracelets, an initiative in partnership with the judiciary to monitor aggressors.

Check out the interview with Jamila Jorge Ferrari, Delegate and Coordinator of Police Stations for the Protection of Women in the State of São Paulo:

Can only women who have suffered physical violence file a complaint?

In no way. Many women do not understand, and even society at large does not understand, that violence is not only about the physical aspect. It’s not just the one that leaves visible marks, like a bruised eye, a broken arm, or a bite. Violence is much more complex, and the Maria da Peña Law itself contains five forms of violence: physical, psychological, sexual, property and moral. Many women do not understand that they are victims of violence. Moral abuse is insult, humiliation, what we legally call defamation, insult, slander. These crimes against a woman’s honor are as damaging as physical violence.

How can women who experience cycles of abuse be encouraged to report it?

It is very important to explain to these women that it is not their fault or responsibility. And if violence was committed, they have the right to ask for help, and the police are obliged to provide help. In most cases, this woman is deeply hurt and unable to seek help, or is very afraid, or ashamed, or often even financially dependent on her attacker. All of these issues ultimately prevent this woman from reporting to the police, but they can be resolved through the attitude of the police, the courts, and the work that exists in state government and many municipal governments to ensure that this woman has the opportunity to have a safe place to to hide if necessary.

Is a police report as effective online as in person?

Our newsletter is full of information needed to effectively help this woman. So she will give her personal details, and if she has the author’s personal details, she doesn’t need to know, for example, the attacker’s full address or ID, but can just enter his name or nickname. In her own words, she will tell about what happened in the police report. You can also attach a photo of the damage, so sometimes there is a bite mark or a bruise on the legs. You can post a printout of a conversation with threats, insults, and moral violence. And many women attached a sheet from the hospital where they were treated, about what kind of injury and what medicine they will need to take. She is asked if she wants and needs protective measures. If she says she needs it, that request is also made online. The online newsletter is also available in other languages. Women who do not speak Portuguese can register in English and Spanish.

What is the profile of women who report their attackers?

Most of the women who have filed police reports have separated or are trying to separate from their attackers. These are young women from 20 to 30 years old. There are children in these relationships, not necessarily the aggressor, and there is violence at home.