FEMICIDE IN BRAZIL AN ALERT THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED

Every day, women in Brazil live under a threat that often

begins within their own homes. Femicide, defined as /the killing of a woman due to gender-related reasons, remains one of the most serious forms of violence in the country.

Recent data from the Brazilian Public Security Forum indicate that thousands of women are victims of femicide or attempted temicide every year. Hignly populated states such as sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco report concerning numbers, reflecting a reality that crosses regions and social classes.

In most cases, the aggressor is not a stranger. Husbands, partners, or former partners are among those most often responsible. Experts point out that factors such as control, extreme jealousy, a sense of possession, and difficulty

accepting the end of a relationship are among the most common motivations. Violence often begins with threats humiliation, or physical aggression and can escalate into fatal crimes.

Despite stricter laws, such as the Maria da Penha Law and the classification of femicide in Brazil’s Criminal Code, many women still do not report abuse. Fear of the aggressor’s reaction and financial dependence remain significant barriers that prevent victims from seeking help.

In recent years, a silent gesture has spread through social media and awareness campaigns. It is a hand signal used to indicate that a woman is in danger and needs help, even when she is unable to speak.

Addressing temicide requires vigilance from society, erective public policies, and real support for victims. More than statistics, each case represents a life lost and a family forever affected. Brazil must continue advancing in the protection of women and in firmly combating all forms of violence.