Man who beat girlfriend in elevator had already assaulted her for greeting a friend at a party
A man in São Vicente, Brazil, has been arrested after repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend, including a severe incident caught on elevator surveillance footage.
In São Vicente, a woman was assaulted by her boyfriend, Jonas de Oliveira, inside an elevator, following previous instances of domestic violence that were reported months earlier. The most recent attack, which occurred on March 7, involved a physical beating after the woman greeted a friend while at a party. This led to her filing for an emergency protective measure, which had been granted in January 2026, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
Despite the protective order, Jonas only faced arrest after the recent assault, which was captured on surveillance cameras. This highlights serious issues regarding the enforcement of protective measures and the ongoing risk faced by victims of domestic abuse. The victim had attempted to gather personal belongings from Jonas's residence when she was attacked again, indicating the challenges victims face in escaping abusive situations and reclaiming their independence.
The prior report of abuse by the victim occurred on December 6, 2025, wherein she detailed Jonas’s violent behavior. This case brings attention to the urgent need for better mechanisms to protect victims and to hold offenders accountable, alongside raising awareness about the cycles of domestic violence that often leave victims vulnerable even after seeking help.