The role of the Public Prosecutor's Office in combating discrimination and systemic and institutional violence in cases of crimes motivated by prejudice against LGBTQIA+ people

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rondônia in addressing systemic and institutional discrimination and violence in cases of prejudice-motivated crimes against LGBTQIA+ individuals. The analysis is framed by the constitutional importance of the Public Prosecutor’s Office as an essential institution to the judicial function and as a guardian of human rights, operating in an environment marked by omissions and the perpetuation of violent acts by public agents that reinforce discriminatory practices. The aim is to identify and evaluate the initiatives, protocols, and measures adopted by the Office to ensure police assistance without re‑victimization and to promote equal treatment for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The methodology employs a qualitative approach, combining bibliographic and documentary research on legislation, resolutions, and institutional protocols with semi‑structured interviews with prosecutors, police officers, and representatives of LGBTQIA+ civil‑society organizations. The findings indicate progress in staff training and in the issuance of formal recommendations to police stations, yet reveal gaps in procedural standardization and the absence of a specific service protocol. It is concluded that developing and implementing a standardized protocol for hate‑crime cases against LGBTQIA+, together with ongoing training, the formulation of inclusive public policies, and institutional monitoring, is essential to strengthen fundamental rights protection, ensure the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people, and reinforce the Rule of Law in Rondônia by promoting more equitable and diversity‑sensitive institutional practices.