PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE IN BRAZILIAN CRIMINAL LAW: LEGISLATIVE GAPS AND CHALLENGES FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION

Abstract

This article analyzes psychological violence in Brazilian Criminal Law, focusing on the evolution of the protection of psychological integrity, the scope of Article 147-B of the Penal Code, and possible insufficiencies in existing criminal protection. The study distinguishes psychological violence as a broad social and legal phenomenon from the specific crime of psychological violence against women, introduced by Law No. 14,188/2021. It also examines the amendment introduced by Law No. 15,123/2025 concerning the use of artificial intelligence and technological resources. The research is bibliographic, documentary, qualitative and exploratory. It concludes that the absence of a general criminal offense does not automatically mean absence of legal protection, since concrete conduct may fall under other criminal provisions. Any expansion of criminal protection must be based on a demonstrated protection deficit and must comply with the principles of legality, definiteness, harmfulness, subsidiarity, fragmentation and minimum intervention.