Find out how to identify the types of violence under the Maria da Penha Law 20 years ago, the Maria da Penha Law changed the way Brazil faces domestic violence against women. Before the legislation, aggressors could respond for crimes with mild punishments, such as the payment of basic food baskets, and many victims faced disbelief when seeking help. "I didn't know the types of violence that existed, I didn't know how to identify what type of violence I was suffering", reported social activist Maria da Penha. Two decades later, the law was strengthened and began to recognize that violence against women is not limited to physical aggression. Changes in legislation incorporated new forms of violence (see below) and expanded protection mechanisms for victims. ? EPTV, a TV Globo affiliate, airs the special series "Dona Penha" between the 3rd and 14th of August, which recalls the trajectory of the activist who inspired the creation of the Maria da Penha Law. With 10 episodes, shown from Monday to Friday, the production highlights 20 years of legislation, considered a milestone in the fight against domestic and family violence against women in Brazil. Types of violence Over the two decades of the Maria da Penha Law, other behaviors began to receive specific treatment in legislation, such as the crime of stalking and vicarious violence. See what the violence is: Physical violence - Against bodily integrity and health. Any aggression that causes pain or injury, such as pushing, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, strangulation or attempted femicide. Psychological violence - Emotional damage and decreased self-esteem. Stalking - Stalking by any means; It is a type of psychological violence. Gaslighting - Manipulation and inversion of blame; It is a type of psychological violence. Moral violence - Slander, defamation, insult. Property violence - Retention or destruction of objects; working instruments, goods, documents and valuables. Sexual violence - Unwanted sexual intercourse, preventing the use of contraceptives or forcing an abortion. Vicarious violence - Attacks against children, parents, relatives, pets or women's support networks Punishments were mild and inefficient Domestic violence Personal Archive Sociologist Silvana Mariano is coordinator of the Feminicide Studies Laboratory (Lesfem) at the State University of Londrina (UEL), recalled that, before the law, punishments were mild and inefficient. "The aggressor could beat his girlfriend, partner and pay a basic food basket to an assistance unit and 'it was resolved'," he said. Information and reporting According to Wânia Wânia Pasinato, senior advisor on violence against women at the United Nations (UN), it is common for women not to recognize the aggressions they experience. The lack of information is still an obstacle. "When a woman says she has never suffered gender-based violence, she often still doesn't understand what gender-based violence is," she said. See the full report: "Dona Penha': special series shows the different types of violence provided for in the law Protective measures One of the main achievements of the Law was the creation of urgent protective measures, which can determine the immediate removal of the aggressor, the prohibition of contact with the victim and other restrictions. In addition to the measures, the Court can order the use of an electronic ankle bracelet to monitor compliance with court decisions and reinforce the victim's protection. According to the legislation, failing to comply with the court order for electronic monitoring is a crime. (See here how to request a protective measure). Despite legal advances, experts warn that violence against women continues to be a serious problem in the country. Brazil has one of the most advanced legislation in the world to protect victims, but it still records high rates of feminicide and domestic violence. REVIEW EPTV VIDEOS. CENTRAL: See more news from the region on g1 São Carlos and Araraquara