long distances for help. In addition to the logistical issues that remain, the culture of machismo in Brazil continues to stand as a major barrier for women seeking justice. "Crimes that occurred inside the house are, in general, consider less serious than those committed in the public sphere. The cultural acceptance of domestic violence aggravated this problem.” da Penha herself has been outspoken and critical about the effectiveness of the law, stating, “The problem is not the law but in its application…” See also Domestic violence in Brazil Women's police stations References External links Brazil's Observatory of Gender Equality [In Portuguese] Brazilian legislation 2006 in Brazil Violence against women in Brazil Brazilian family law LGBT rights in Brazil