“Social Rent” Allowance Bill for Women Victims of Domestic Violence Passed in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Tuesday, March 10th, a major achievement for the female public was passed in a second session of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ).

It concerns bill 674/19, authored by deputies Alana Passos and Martha Rocha, which establishes that women in vulnerable positions who have been victims of domestic violence are entitled to the so-called “social rent”, a subsidy granted by the State Government.

The measure, which provides this benefit for those covered by the Maria da Penha Law, will now be submitted to Governor Wilson Witzel, who has 15 days to sanction or veto it.

Under the bill, the rent allowance should be granted to women who are forced by actions of violence to flee their homes in order to preserve their lives. The benefits may be granted to families with a monthly income of up to two minimum wages. The “social rent” will be temporary, granted for a period of 12 months, and may be extended only once for the same period of time, upon technical justification.

“Unfortunately, the number of cases of femicide has increased and we must take some action to contain it. The shelters are ultimately unable to cope with the demand. Social rent allows women who are victims of violence and in extreme vulnerability to seek a safe place to protect themselves and start their lives again,” Alana Passos said.

Evidence of violence and vulnerability must be provided by legal means, and the grants will be executed by the Secretary of State for Social Development and Human Rights after the documentation and evidence provided have been technically reviewed.