The Brazilian government made history in 2006 by creating the ground-breaking Maria da Penha law against domestic violence. However, even excellent laws require implementation. Under the Maria da Penha law, survivors of violence gained important new legal protections, such as restraining orders. But many of these protective measures were not being fully monitored and enforced. To remedy this issue, in 2015 the federal government officially launched a national monitoring and enforcement patrolling program. The patrols are known as the Patrulhas Maria da Penha (Maria da Penha Patrols).