Violence against women is a phenomenon that affects all people in all parts of the world. In Brazil, in 2006, was enacted the law 11.340/2006, called Maria da Penha, with basilar function to inhibit the domestic, family and affective violence. The aim of this study was to compare female mortality due to aggression/homicide in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil, before and after the law came into effect. For that, an ecological study was conducted with victims of aggression and homicide registered in the Mortality Information System from 2002 to 2010. The women, victims of homicide, were aged between 21 and 25 years of age (28.6%), had low level of education (39.3%); and did not have an occupation (64.3%). The incidence of deaths declined followed by an increased in the last two years with repercussions on Potencial Years of Life Lost of those from 16 to 39 years old. Maria da Penha law is a reality in Brazil and has a relevant role in society, thus, should be analyzed in terms of its effectiveness and influence.
Violence against women; Mortality; Potencial years of life lost
