Nearly Half of São Paulo Women's Police Stations Lack 24/7 Service
Audit reveals widespread non-compliance with federal laws regarding specialized protection for female victims.
1Audit Reveals Service Gaps
A surprise inspection by the São Paulo State Court of Auditors (TCE-SP) found that nearly half of the state's specialized Women's Defense Police Stations fail to operate 24 hours a day. This non-compliance directly violates Federal Law 14.541, which mandates uninterrupted service, including weekends and holidays, to ensure immediate protection for victims.
2Privacy and Procedural Failures
The audit identified that 16.8% of these specialized stations lack private environments for victims and witnesses to provide testimony. Furthermore, 21.83% of units fail to meet the legal 48-hour deadline for forwarding protective measure requests to judges, leaving vulnerable women at high risk of returning to cycles of domestic violence.
3Inadequate Forensic Infrastructure
Forensic facilities face severe structural issues, with 59.1% of inspected Medical-Legal Institutes (IMLs) lacking adequate waiting areas for women. Additionally, 72.7% do not prioritize female professionals for examinations, and 22.7% do not offer 24-hour forensic services. Some units were found completely closed during scheduled hours, hindering essential evidence collection for judicial proceedings.
4The Impact of Non-Specialization
Experts argue that when specialized stations are unavailable, victims are forced to use conventional police stations. These environments often lack the necessary sensitivity, forcing women to report abuse alongside unrelated crimes like robbery. This environment discourages victims, who already face significant social and economic barriers, from seeking the legal protection they require.
5Government Response and Discrepancies
The Secretariat of Public Security claims to have expanded the network, stating 42 stations now operate 24/7 compared to 18 earlier in 2026. However, this figure conflicts with the TCE-SP audit, which reports 53.1% of units—or 76 stations—provide continuous service. The government maintains that conventional stations also support victims during off-hours.
6Historical Context of Violence
This oversight occurs as Brazil faces record levels of violence, with 1,571 femicides registered in 2025, the highest number since the crime was legally defined in 2015. As the Maria da Penha Law marks two decades, the audit highlights the persistent gap between legal guarantees and the reality of public service delivery.
7Investment vs. Operational Reality
The state government reports investing R$ 70.7 million in technical-scientific infrastructure and R$ 15.8 million in new specialized units since January 2023. Despite these financial allocations, the audit findings suggest that physical improvements and increased unit counts have not yet translated into consistent, high-quality, and legally compliant service for all citizens.
8Need for Effective Protection
The TCE-SP president emphasized that legal protections must translate into dignified, effective care rather than remaining mere paper guarantees. Without consistent 24-hour access, trained staff, and private facilities, the state fails to provide the critical support necessary to break the cycle of violence during the most vulnerable hours for victims.