Woman in SC uses toilet paper to seek help against domestic violence

A woman in Gaspar, Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, was rescued by the Military Police on Saturday morning (5) after reporting private captivity and domestic violence through a note written on toilet paper. The plea for help, left in a convenience store bathroom, included the victim’s address and the phrase “I am in private captivity, 190.” The aggressor, who threatened to leak an intimate video, was arrested. The victim, who had a protective order against the man, reported beatings and coerced sexual acts.

The incident occurred after the woman convinced her partner to visit the store on Friday night (4) to buy cigarettes. In the bathroom, she left the note, found by an employee who alerted the police. The victim had injuries on her face, neck, and chest, according to the police report.

• The woman reported three physical assaults before the rescue.
• The aggressor broke her phone to prevent her from seeking help.
• He recorded an intimate video without consent, used for threats.

The Military Police forced entry into the residence after the man refused to open the door. He was detained and taken for a custody hearing.

Details of the report

The victim stated that the aggressor forced her into sexual acts under threat of violence. He also recorded an intimate video and threatened to share it on social media and WhatsApp groups if she tried to escape.

The hastily written note was crucial for locating the victim and arresting the suspect, who had 44 police reports filed against him.

History of violence

The woman had previously obtained a protective order against the aggressor due to prior violent incidents. Separated for six months, they resumed their relationship on Tuesday (30), three days before the plea for help.

The aggressor’s violent behavior escalated on the day of the crime when he broke the victim’s phone after she refused to unlock it.

Swift police action

Upon arriving at the address indicated in the note, officers found the suspect agitated, refusing to open the door. The team forced entry to ensure the victim’s safety.

The man was arrested on-site and taken to the police station for legal proceedings.

The victim was referred for medical care due to her injuries.

The case is under investigation, and the aggressor will face charges for private captivity, domestic violence, and threats.

Protective measures in Brazil

The Maria da Penha Law, in effect since 2006, ensures protection for women in domestic violence situations. Measures like restraining orders and contact bans are tools to prevent further incidents.

In the Gaspar case, the victim had a protective order, but resuming the relationship exposed gaps in the effectiveness of these measures.

Santa Catarina saw a 10% rise in violence against women in 2024, according to the Public Security Secretariat.

Organizations urge victims to seek help through channels like 190 or Disque 180.

Community’s role

The convenience store employee was pivotal in the case’s resolution. Their action in finding the note and alerting the police underscores the importance of community collaboration.

Reporting channels like 190 are available 24/7 for emergencies.

Next judicial steps

The suspect will face a custody hearing to determine if he remains detained or responds in freedom.

The Civil Police continues to investigate the 44 police reports against the man, which may worsen his legal situation.

The victim will receive psychological and social support to overcome the trauma.