Maria da Penha is a Brazilian woman who became a symbol of the fight against domestic violence. In 1983, she was a victim of attempted murder by her husband, which left her paraplegic. Her case highlighted the lack of legal protection for women in Brazil and led to significant changes in the law. In 2006, the Brazilian government enacted the Maria da Penha Law, which aimed to combat domestic violence and provide better protection for women. This law established stricter penalties for offenders and created mechanisms for women to seek help, making it easier for them to report violence and access support services.