Brazil’s three branches unite to combat femicide amid record violence in 2025

In a pivotal move against gender-based violence, Brazil’s Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches formally launched the National Brazil Pact to Combat Femicide this Wednesday, October 4. The ceremony, held at the Palácio do Planalto, saw the presence of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, key ministers, and parliamentary representatives, signaling a unified front against a pressing national crisis.

This comprehensive alliance aims to significantly enhance efforts in protecting victims and ensuring the rigorous accountability of aggressors. The initiative comes at a critical juncture, following Brazil’s alarming record of femicide cases reported throughout 2025, underscoring the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy.

The pact outlines a series of integrated actions designed to address the escalating rates of violence against women across the country. Discussions leading to this agreement began in December 2025, when the president initiated dialogues with representatives from each branch to explore effective solutions for reducing the violence index.

## A president’s call to action against escalating violence

President Lula’s strong commitment to this issue gained significant momentum after First Lady Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja, publicly called for a “harsher fight” against femicide. Her impassioned plea resonated deeply within the administration, propelling the agenda forward with renewed urgency.

Responding to this call, Lula has consistently voiced his stance at various public events, emphasizing that the combat against violence targeting women is a shared responsibility, particularly for men. He has unequivocally stated his refusal to accept votes from aggressors, asserting a moral imperative in the fight against such crimes.

## Unprecedented rise in femicide statistics for 2025

The year 2025 has tragically marked a grim milestone for Brazil, recording the highest number of femicide cases since national data collection began. Statistics compiled by the National Public Security Information System (Sinesp) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), which aggregate data from all districts, reveal a staggering reality: an average of four women were murdered each day.

A total of 1,470 femicides were registered throughout 2025, a figure that regrettably surpassed the previous record set in 2024. This successive increase highlights a disturbing trend, necessitating immediate and sustained intervention from all levels of government and society.

### Notable cases fuel public outrage

The past year was marred by several high-profile cases of violence against women, many resulting in tragic fatalities, which brought the issue into sharp focus and ignited widespread public outrage. These incidents underscored the brutal reality faced by countless women across the country.

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Among the most widely reported was the case of Vitória Regina de Sousa, a 17-year-old whose body was discovered by police. She had been missing for a week in Cajamar, Greater São Paulo, after leaving the shopping mall where she worked, prompting a large-scale search.

In August, Juliana Garcia dos Santos endured a brutal assault, receiving more than 60 punches from her boyfriend, former basketball player Igor Cabral, inside a condominium elevator in Natal. The graphic details of the attack shocked the nation, drawing significant attention to domestic violence.

Another deeply disturbing incident involved Tainara Souza Santos, 31, who died after being run over and dragged for approximately one kilometer along the Marginal Tietê highway. She succumbed to her injuries after nearly a month of hospitalization, leading to the arrest of the driver, Douglas Alves da Silva, 26.

## Legislative and policy responses under scrutiny

The escalating crisis has prompted a flurry of legislative discussions and policy proposals aimed at strengthening protections and deterring future acts of violence. These efforts reflect a growing recognition within the government of the need for multifaceted approaches to combat femicide effectively.

President Lula recently sanctioned a law establishing a national day of mourning and remembrance for femicide victims, creating a dedicated space for reflection and public awareness. This legislative measure aims to honor those lost and reinforce society’s collective memory of the devastating impact of such crimes.

Concurrently, a commission in the Chamber of Deputies approved a proposed law that would compel aggressors to cover the costs of treatment for their victims. This crucial bill seeks to shift the financial burden from survivors to perpetrators, providing essential support for recovery and justice.

Discussions have also extended to more severe punitive measures, with one of Lula’s ministers publicly advocating for an evaluation of the death penalty for femicide perpetrators. Such proposals underscore the gravity of the situation and the intense pressure on authorities to implement impactful deterrents and ensure justice for victims.

The National Brazil Pact represents a significant commitment from the nation’s leadership to address the root causes of violence against women. By fostering collaboration across governmental branches and implementing comprehensive strategies, authorities aim to reverse the alarming trend of femicide and create a safer environment for all women in Brazil.