Study Overview
This project examines whether technology-enabled enforcement can strengthen legal protections for women at risk of domestic violence. Conducted in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Justice, the study will evaluate Brazil’s new bilateral electronic monitoring program, which combines GPS ankle bracelets for perpetrators with real-time alerts to victims when court-ordered protection perimeters are breached. Brazil has a strong legal framework for domestic violence, but enforcement remains limited. In 2025, femicides reached a record high, with 1,568 women killed, more than 945,000 new domestic violence cases processed, and over 619,000 protective orders granted. At least 18.3% of protective orders are violated, and 13.1% of women killed had an active protective order. The research will study whether bilateral monitoring improves compliance with protective orders, accelerates enforcement, deters further violence, and strengthens victims’ safety, mental health, labor market participation, and agency.