The Senate approved on Tuesday (30) the use of pepper spray by women to repel unjust, current or imminent aggression. The bill now goes to presidential sanction.
The proposal authorizes the commercialization, acquisition and possession of vegetable extract aerosols for personal defense by women over 18 years old and youths aged 16 and 17 with parental authorization. The text was approved symbolically and had already passed the Chamber of Deputies in March.
The bill sets rules such as proof of fixed residence, absence of criminal conviction and a maximum limit of 50 ml per product. It also creates the National Training Program in Self-Defense and Use of Less Offensive Instruments for Women.
Experts heard by Folha, such as Alice Bianchini and Valéria Scarance, warn that the device has limited effectiveness in domestic violence cases, which often involve surprise and physical proximity. They highlight the need for training to prevent the spray from being used against the victim herself.
