On May 2, nine vehicles were delivered, seven to Ronda Maria da Penha and two to the Specialized Police Station for Crimes Against Women (DECCM)
New vehicles will reinforce the work of the Military Police of Amazonas (PMAM) and the Civil Police of Amazonas (PC-AM) to guarantee the safety and rights of women victims of violence, through PMAM’s Ronda Maria da Penha program, and the Specialized Police Station for Crimes Against Women (DECCM), of PC-AM.
The vehicles were delivered by the Government of Amazonas, on May 2, to expand the role of military police officers in combating crimes of domestic and family violence. Since the program began in 2014, more than 5,000 women have received support from the program.
Ronda Maria da Penha had four vehicles to serve all areas of the city. The arrival of the seven new vehicles will allow for greater patrol coverage, making assistance even faster for victims who call the service.
The program implements in practice Law No. 11,340, also known as the Maria da Penha Law, sanctioned in 2006, focusing on the defense of women victims of domestic and family violence, operating throughout the capital of Amazonas.
According to the commander of Ronda Maria da Penha, Major Tatiana Sousa, the work done by the entire team involves biweekly monitoring of the victims assisted. With more vehicles on the streets of Manaus, the frequency of visits will increase and the agility of incidents will also increase.
“The woman receives visitors and has the Cicom number for the area. All of this is with the aim of guaranteeing the protection and physical and psychological integrity of women so that they are not revictimized. With seven more vehicles, the aim is to increase the current number of police officers, which totals 25”, highlighted the major of Ronda Maria da Penha, Tatiana Sousa.
Adriana Teixeira, 35 (* fictitious name and age to protect the victim), suffered domestic violence inside the house where she lived with her partner, at the end of 2023. She managed to leave the place and ask for help at the Police Station Specialized in Crimes Against the Woman (DECCM) from the Cidade de Deus neighborhood, who directed her to receive biweekly services from Ronda Maria da Penha.
Still shaken, the victim explained that the speed of the entire Ronda Maria da Penha team was essential for her to feel safe and supported again.
“Since then, the support has been very emphatic in my case and in everything I need to have that feeling of security. They always ask if everything is ok with me, if my ex-partner is contacting me, so it’s been quite satisfactory. My expectation from now on is that I won’t need it anymore, because that’s the goal”, said the victim, Adriana Teixeira*.
Numbers
Last year, in 2023, 1,183 women benefited from the project and, currently, 227 are receiving assistance. The statistics reflect not only the scale of the problem, but also the positive impact that the program has on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Currently, four municipalities in Amazonas have the program, namely: Manacapuru, Parintins, Tefé and Itacoatiara. The expectation is to reach more locations in 2024.
How to seek help
Ronda Maria da Penha offers support through channels such as the 24-hour emergency number 190 and in-person service stations at specialized police stations.
PHOTOS: Antonio Lima/Secom
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
