The applicability of the Maria da Penha Law to same-sex couples

The concept of family in Brazilian law has undergone notable changes which extend to various areas of law. This paper aims to analyze the possibility of applying the Maria da Penha Law to cases of violence between same-sex couples. The topic is exciting because although the law was initially intended to protect women it is indisputable that its core objective is to protect the weaker party in a romantic relationship. In this case the issue goes beyond the analysis of gender issues and moves on to the protection of a more fragile individual who is subjugated by another.