Each petal states one-step towards healing and justice that they commit to make in their lives. In a final ritual, women are invited to deepen the process of healing, both individually and collectively, in a celebration of their sacredness. For some women in Para ba, the human development courses have been stepping-stones into the Brazilian women s movement. The lack of alternatives for victims of abuse and rape facing threats often forces women to remain silent in dangerous situations. While the roots of violence are complex, society s structures and values are often perpetuating forces.
Impunity is one of the leading factors in the increased violence against women in Para ba.
Perpetuators are rarely punished. One example is the assassination of union leader Margarida Maria Alves by a local landowner and military policeman. After 18 years, in spite of strong evidence and international attention, the case continues to drag in the courts. Proposed by the women s movement, the delegacias are the first government institution devoted exclusively to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Besides offering a more supportive venue for women to denounce violence, the record keeping of the delegacias has exposed the problem.