MAPA
Mapa do Acolhimento exists to provide comprehensive and effective support for Brazilian women survivors of gender-based violence, enabling them to break the cycle of violence and regain autonomy and dignity in their lives. Through a feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional approach, the organization leverages the power of collective action, technology, and qualified volunteer professionals to ensure every woman has access to mental health and legal aid, and that public policies for support become accessible fundamental rights across Brazil.
Theory of Change
Inputs
Network of volunteer psychologists and lawyers
Technology platform and digital infrastructure
Partnerships with government and civil society
Outreach and mobilization resources
Staff, trainers, and AI support tools
Activities
Intake, screening, and matching of survivors to volunteers
Free psychological and legal support
Training and continuous education for volunteers
Mapping and maintaining a national database of public protection services
Community mobilization and leadership development among women activists
Providing technical assistance to public sector partners
Outputs
Supported over 20,000 women
Network of 16,000+ trained volunteers
2,500+ public services mapped and accessible online
Multiplicadora activist community active nationwide
Best-practices content and training provided to public-sector staff
Outcomes
Survivors are empowered, supported, and able to break cycles of violence
More women access timely, qualified help and justice
Societal awareness and pressure for women’s rights is strengthened
Public policy and service ecosystems are improved for gender violence response
Programs
1. Direct Support for Survivors – Psychological and Legal Assistance
Provision of free, confidential, and qualified psychological and legal support to women (cis and trans), over the age of 18, living in Brazil and facing situations of gender-based violence and low income. Service is delivered by a network of volunteer psychologists and lawyers nationwide, with referrals to public services when needed.
Volunteer psychologists and lawyers
Technology platform for matching and case management
Staff for screening/referral
Training materials and resources
Outreach and public awareness
Intake via online form or public referral
Matching survivors with available and qualified volunteers
Online or in-person psychological sessions
Online or in-person legal consultations
Referrals to public protection and health services as required
Continuous follow-up and support
More than 20,000 calls for help answered
16,000+ registered professionals
Accessible, confidential, free, and qualified legal and psychological support for thousands of women
Increased number of women who receive guidance about rights and public services
Women experience improved emotional well-being, safety, and empowerment
Reduction in revictimization and renewed trauma
Survivors are able to break the cycle of violence and reclaim autonomy
Increased access and inclusion in health and justice systems for marginalized women
2. Mapping and Support of Public Services Network
Maintenance and public dissemination of a digital map of over 2,500 public services in Brazil related to violence against women (including police, shelters, legal aid, reference centers, and health units), facilitating access and guiding survivors to appropriate institutional support.
Database and technical staff
Engagement with public sector partners
Ongoing data validation/updating processes
Curate, update, and map all relevant services across Brazil
Maintain searchable digital map open to the public
Train volunteers to refer survivors
Digital map of 2,500+ public women’s services widely accessible online
Women and allied organizations more able to find local institutional help
Improved survivor access and navigation of the support ecosystem
Increased use of appropriate public sector services by women in need
Greater visibility and advocacy for maintenance and quality of the women’s protection network
3. Volunteer Recruitment, Community Building, and Capacity Building
Recruitment and ongoing education of psychologists and lawyers who serve as volunteers, ensuring high standards in trauma-informed, rights-based care through a mandatory training program and continuous skills exchange community.
Recruitment campaigns
Training program (30+ hours, including digital resources)
Virtual and in-person community exchanges
Support from organizational specialists, including the AI assistant IAna
Outreach to professionals nationwide
Review and vetting of volunteer credentials
Delivery of online course and technical modules covering violence, gender, care ethics, specific vulnerabilities, and public resources
Community of practice via WhatsApp, forums, and team events
16,000+ volunteers trained and connected
Increased knowledge, skills, and safe practice among care providers
Collaborative and supportive national network of practitioners
Better quality and trauma-informed care for survivors
Durable professional network enabling greater reach and resilience
Prevention of volunteer burnout and secondary trauma
4. Mobilization & Advocacy – Multiplicadoras Program
Empowers and organizes women activists (‘Multiplicadoras’) across Brazil to strengthen and mobilize civil society around rights to public assistance, raise awareness, and influence policymakers toward better protection and services for women at risk.
Engagement and training resources
Community organizing toolkit
Communication materials
Recruitment and support for local women activists/trainer-leaders
Dissemination of information on rights and available help
Organizing community events, awareness campaigns, and training sessions
Multiplicadoras community spanning multiple states/cities
Trained leaders spreading knowledge of protection networks and public policies
Increased social awareness and activism around gender-based violence
Enhanced pressure on government for qualified, widespread, effective women’s services
Other Information
Core Values
Feminism – centering women’s experiences and championing equity in all forms
Solidarity – building collective responses and mutual support
Intersectionality – addressing overlapping forms of oppression such as race, gender identity, and socio-economic status
Anti-racism – explicit commitment to racial justice and equity
Autonomy – empowering women to make their own informed decisions
Confidentiality and Privacy – ensuring the safety and dignity of every survivor
Evidence-based Practice – continual learning and the use of proven strategies
Accessibility – universal access and removal of barriers to support
Scale
Impact: 20,000+ requests for help served; more than 16,000 volunteers engaged; 2,500+ public services mapped
Direct impact in every state of Brazil, with digital and in-person networks reaching a national level
Programs support approximately 250 women per month
Affected Users
Women (cis and trans), ages 18+ who have experienced gender-based violence and are in situations of social vulnerability (especially low income) throughout Brazil
Geographical Areas
Brazil – national coverage (North to South), including urban and rural regions. Specific partnerships/projects in cities, states (e.g. Alagoas), and with federal agencies
Contact Info
Last updated