As Carnival 2025 approaches, ensuring the safety of women becomes a top priority amid the festivity and large crowds. The Panic Button, an electronic safety device, is set to be a key resource for protecting women against violence and harassment, allowing for immediate police alerts. This initiative is already implemented in several Brazilian cities, including Parnaíba (PI), São Paulo (SP), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Recife (PE), Belo Horizonte (MG), Vitória (ES), Jaboatão dos Guararapes (PE), Embu das Artes (SP), and Belém (PA). Additionally, it is integrated into the 190 PR app, which is available in all municipalities in Paraná.
How Does the Panic Button Work?
The Panic Button is an electronic safety device designed to protect women who are victims of domestic violence. It is available in two versions:
🔹 Physical Device: Initially developed in Vitória (ES), this button is equipped with GPS and audio recording capabilities, allowing real-time monitoring of the victim. An alert is triggered if the aggressor breaches the minimum distance set by protective measures.
🔹 Mobile Application: Available in certain regions, this app enables users to contact the police with geolocation and ambient audio features. In Piauí, the app “Salve Maria” allows for quick reporting and can be used by anyone. In regions like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná, the service is integrated with security force apps, such as 190 PR and S.O.S Mulher.
Where Will the Panic Button Be Used During Carnival 2025?
✅ Parnaíba (PI): Integrated with the electronic ankle bracelet of the aggressor, the button emits sound and light alerts if the protective measure is violated. The “Salve Maria” app also facilitates reporting.
✅ São Paulo (SP) and Embu das Artes (SP): Available through S.O.S Mulher, the button can be activated quickly, ensuring a rapid police response.
✅ Rio de Janeiro (RJ): The Military Police, in partnership with the Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration, has developed an app featuring a panic button for women under protective measures.
✅ Recife (PE) and Jaboatão dos Guararapes (PE): In addition to the presence of the Maria da Penha Patrol, Jaboatão dos Guararapes was the first municipality in Pernambuco to adopt this device in collaboration with the Court of Justice.
✅ Belo Horizonte (MG): The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais provides the Panic Button for women under protective measures, allowing constant monitoring of aggressors.
✅ Vitória (ES): As the pioneer in the physical Panic Button, the city has served as a model for other regions and has recorded a decline in domestic violence since the program’s implementation.
✅ Belém (PA): The city has adopted the “Panic Button” project as part of strategies to combat violence against women.
✅ Paraná: The Panic Button is available in all 399 municipalities of the state, integrated into the 190 PR app, allowing women to quickly alert the police.
Impact and Benefits of the Panic Button
📉 Reduction of violence against women: Data indicate that states like Piauí and Espírito Santo have seen a decrease in femicide rates following the device’s implementation.
👮 Rapid response from authorities: Immediate police activation helps prevent the escalation of assaults, protecting victims.
📲 Digital accessibility: Applications such as “Salve Maria,” “S.O.S Mulher,” and “190 PR” allow anonymous reporting with geolocation, enhancing women’s safety.
🎭 Increased security during Carnival: With millions of revelers celebrating, the Panic Button serves as an essential tool to enable women to enjoy the festivities safely.
Legal Foundation of the Panic Button
Created as a safety measure for women under protective measures, the device has legal backing and aligns with Brazil’s key laws focused on women’s protection. The implementation of the Panic Button is grounded in legislation that ensures women’s safety and punishes aggressors. Some of the primary laws supporting the use of this tool include:
📜 Maria da Penha Law (Law No. 11.340/2006)
The Maria da Penha Law is a landmark in protecting women from domestic and family violence in Brazil. Article 22 allows judges to impose emergency protective measures, including electronic monitoring of aggressors and alert mechanisms for at-risk victims, such as the Panic Button.
📜 Femicide Law (Law No. 13.104/2015)
This law classified femicide as a heinous crime in the Penal Code. The Panic Button represents a crucial preventive resource to prevent domestic violence from escalating into fatal crimes.
📜 Electronic Monitoring Law (Law No. 12.258/2010)
This legislation permits the use of electronic ankle bracelets for monitoring aggressors. In several states, the Panic Button is integrated with these devices, allowing victims to be notified if aggressors violate the minimum distance imposed by the courts.
📜 National Policy to Combat Violence Against Women
This policy sets forth guidelines for establishing protection mechanisms, including the use of technologies and innovations to enhance women’s security, such as both physical and virtual Panic Buttons.
How is the Legal Application of the Panic Button Executed?
🔹 Immediate police action: When activated, the Panic Button sends an alert to the central monitoring station of the security forces, which dispatches teams to address the situation.
🔹 Monitoring of the aggressor: In some cities, the device is linked to electronic ankle bracelets, enabling victims to be alerted if the aggressor approaches.
🔹 Judicial recognition: The Panic Button can be requested by women possessing protective measures, being granted by the Court of Justice of their respective state.
🔴 If you witness violence, report it! In Brazil, Call 190 or use the apps available in your city.
