Femicide: an ignored epidemic
Brazil is facing an escalating femicide crisis. In 2025, the country recorded between 1,470 and 1,518 women killed, the highest number in a decade, equivalent to at least four deaths every day. Broader analyses reveal an even more alarming picture, with 6,904 victims of attempted and completed femicides, a 34% increase compared to 2024. Of these, 2,149 were murders, bringing the daily average to nearly six women killed, while researchers warn that underreporting and misclassification mean the real numbers may be even higher.
Most of these crimes occur within intimate relationships. In about 75% of cases, the perpetrator was a current or former partner or someone close to the victim, and the violence often takes place inside the home. Many women had already sought help, with at least 22% having reported their aggressors before the attacks, yet the system failed to protect them.
The human impact is devastating. Most victims were between 25 and 34 years old, many had children, and at least 1,653 children were left orphaned. Some women were pregnant at the time of the violence, underscoring the depth of the tragedy.
Specialists argue that the rise in cases reflects structural failures. Although femicide has been defined in Brazilās Penal Code since 2015 and is considered a preventable crime, gaps in public policy, lack of funding, and weakened protection networks continue to put women at risk. Even with stricter laws and penalties that can reach up to 60 years in prison, the numbers continue to rise.
January 2026:
New Year's Day Femicide ā Bom Repouso (MG) On January 1st, Bruna Aline Rodrigues de Souza, 27, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in front of her children. The aggressor broke into the house at dawn, ignoring an active protective order. The children, ages 3 and 6, were found next to their mother's body. The same day, Eva Sofia Santo Silva, 16, was killed in SĆ£o JosĆ© dos Campos (SP) in a premeditated crime.
Copacabana Gang Rape ā Rio de Janeiro On January 31st, a teenage girl was the victim of gang rape in Copacabana. Four adults and one minor are involved in what was described as "heinous" and "shocking." The victim suffered multiple injuries. Security cameras captured part of the attack, and international backlash forced the creation of a special task force by Rio's Civil Police.
Robbery Violence ā 16 Deaths in January (RJ) The Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area recorded 16 deaths in robberies or robbery attempts in January ā one death every two days. Rideshare drivers and shopkeepers were the main victims, with 5 and 4 deaths respectively. The North Zone concentrated 62% of cases.
February 2026:
Amanda Loureiro ā Killed Despite Protective Order (RJ) On February 4th, Amanda Loureiro da Silva Mendes, 32, a community health worker, was shot dead by ex-partner Wagner AraĆŗjo, despite having an active protective order against him. Amanda had filed seven police reports over the previous two years. In her last social media post, three days before the crime, she wrote: "I'm afraid justice will arrive too late." The phrase went viral as a symbol of the system's failure.
Cibelle at the Jewelry Store ā Killed in a Mall (SP) In SĆ£o Bernardo do Campo, Cibelle Monteiro Alves, 29, was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend inside a jewelry store in a shopping mall, in broad daylight, in front of dozens of witnesses. She also had an active protective order. The case sparked protests in 14 Brazilian state capitals.
Femicide in Cascavel ā In Front of Her Child (PR) On February 19th, Mayara AraĆŗjo Krupiniski Rodrigues, 31, was stabbed to death in front of her 5-year-old son. The boy tried to protect his mother and suffered minor injuries. The aggressor fled and was arrested 48 hours later at the Paraguay border.
March 2026:
In Pernambuco, in early march, a woman was stabbed and set on fire after refusing a relationship. Neighbors managed to extinguish the flames, but she suffered burns over 60% of her body. In GoiƔs, the same week, a 44-year-old teacher was killed by her ex-husband inside the school where she taught, in front of her 5th-grade students.
Sources: Raquel Lopes for Folha de S.Paulo (January 20, 2026), Camila Boehm for AgĆŖncia Brasil (February 5 and March 3, 2026) and Mundo IncrĆvel BR (March 4, 2026).
