The Brazilian federal government has recently updated its protocols aimed at safeguarding victims of domestic violence abroad, in response to a ruling from the Supreme Court (STF) regarding the enforcement of the Hague Convention in cases where children are taken from their country by a parent. This ruling highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach towards the protection of women and children in such vulnerable situations.

As part of these new measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revised its consular assistance protocols to explicitly incorporate a gender perspective, which now includes recognizing vicarious violence—where an abuser uses children to exert control over the mother—as a critical issue to be addressed in these cases. Although some guidelines previously existed, they were fragmented and lacked clear implementation across the board, prompting this consolidation to ensure a more unified and effective response.

Moreover, the updated directives conveyed to consulates focus on training personnel to better identify cases of domestic violence and offer appropriate assistance to victims, emphasizing a proactive approach in ensuring the safety and well-being of Brazilian citizens outside the country. This move reflects an increasing recognition of the complexities surrounding domestic violence, particularly in international contexts, and aims to enhance support structures to address these challenges effectively.