Over 500 women attacked every hour in Brazil, survey shows

A total of 503 women suffered some sort of physical aggression every hour in 2016, a survey conducted by Datafolha and commissioned by the Forum on Public Safety found. The study, released today (Mar. 8), included face-to-face interviews across 130 Brazilian municipalities. A total 4.4 million women—9% of them above the age of 16—say they were punched, kicked, pushed, or suffered some other form of violence.

Moral and verbal attacks, like swearing and humiliation, were reported by 22% of the female population. Last year, 29% of women experienced some sort of violence, physical or moral. Among black women, the rate reaches 32.5%, and 45% among young women (aged 16-24).

Four percent of women (1.9 million) fell victims to threats with guns or knives. Beating and strangling victimized 3%, or 1.4 million women, whereas 257 thousand, 1%, were shot.

Two of every three Brazilians—both men and women included—witnessed some sort of violence against women in 2016, ranging from direct physical attacks to harassment, threats, and humiliation—73% among black women and 60% among white.

Partners and acquaintances

Most aggressors, according to women's reports, are their own acquaintances (61%). Spouses, partners, and boyfriends account for 19% of the cases. Former partners total 16%. The victims' own house was the most often mentioned place where attacks took place (43%). Of women aged 35-44, 38% of the aggressions were perpetrators by spouses or boyfriends.

When asked how they reacted after the attack, 52% of the women said they did not do anything. Thirteen percent sought support from family members; 12% from friends, and 11% went to a special police station for women. As for young ones, aged 16-24, the rate of those who showed no reaction amounts to 59%.

A total of 40% of women were attacked last year. For women aged 16 to 24 years old, the index totals 70%, with 68% of whom having heard disrespectful remarks out on the streets. The percentage reaches 52 among women aged 25 to 34 years old. In this group, 47% were attacked on the streets, 19% in the work place, and 15% on public transport.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira