Brazilian Feminicide Law turns 10, impunity still a challenge
The Feminicide Law in Brazil marked its tenth anniversary on Sunday (Mar. 9). Signed into law in 2015 by then-President Dilma Rousseff, the legislation established the crime of murder of women in the context of domestic violence and discrimination within the Penal Code.
In October of last year, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a new law increasing the penalty for feminicide. The sentence, previously ranging from 12 to 30 years, was raised to a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison.
According to data from the National Public Security Information System (Sinesp), Brazil records approximately 1,000 murders of women annually. Managed by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the database compiles information submitted by the states. By October 2024, a total of 1,128 femicide deaths had been reported across the country.
An alarming number of femicide cases have also been recorded in the judiciary. Last year, the National Council of Justice reported 8,300 cases of women being murdered, compared to 7,400 cases in 2023.
The National Council of Justice also analyzed procedural actions related to protective measures under the Maria da Penha Law, recording 827,900 such cases in 2024.
According to the Council, 959,200 new cases of domestic violence were recorded in the Brazilian judiciary during the same period, averaging 2.6 new cases daily.
To enhance the monitoring of the judiciary's efforts in combating violence against women, the Council will launch a new electronic dashboard for domestic violence cases on Tuesday (11).
The new platform will allow users to track the individual performance of courts specializing in domestic violence and judicial units with exclusive jurisdiction over such cases.
On Saturday (March 8), International Women's Day, numerous demonstrations across Brazil called for the recognition of women's rights, with a strong demand for a more effective fight against femicide.
Zero femicide
Last week, during Carnival, the Ministry of Women launched the "Zero Femicide" campaign at the Sambódromo, the iconic avenue where samba schools parade in Rio de Janeiro.
"Zero Femicide" is a nationwide, ongoing initiative by the Ministry of Women, featuring diverse action fronts that include widespread public communication, the implementation of public policies, and the engagement of influencers.
Beijing+30
The United Nations Women's Organization (UN Women) has released a report highlighting setbacks in women's rights. The document reviews the progress of 159 out of the 189 countries that signed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The actions of UN member states will be discussed in the coming days at a special session in New York, with Brazil's participation.
