The escalation of acts of violence against women in the country has generated deep concern and a call for immediate action. Casos shocking incidents of aggression, rape and femicide multiply daily, highlighting a brutal reality that demands urgent reflection on the direction of society.
The horror scenario manifests itself in alarming statistics, with records that barely scratch the surface of a systemic problem. The brutality of the crimes, often involving partners or ex-partners, points to a profound failure in the structures of protection and respect.
In this context, the discussion about the criminalization of misogyny emerges as one of the most compelling proposals to combat the root of the problem. Legisladores and activists defend the inclusion of hatred against women in the list of crimes that receive rigorous treatment, equating it with other forms of prejudice and discrimination.
Alarming statistics reveal the severity of violence
The reality of violence against women on the national scene presents numbers that are shocking and require immediate attention from authorities and society. In 2025, the country recorded four femicides per day, totaling 1,568 cases annually, in addition to approximately 6,900 attempts. Esses data alone reveals the urgency of more effective measures to contain barbarism.
Every hour, between 9 and 10 rapes are reported, with an alarming 70% of victims being under the age of 14, an indication of children’s vulnerability and the need for specific protection policies. The majority of these attacks, around 70%, are committed by close people, such as partners or ex-partners, which accentuates the dimension of intra-family and emotional violence.
The historical legacy of machismo and its current consequences
Society has, for a long time, been a fertile ground for machismo and misogyny, worshiping male supremacy and perpetuating the idea of right over the body and female submission. Essa deep-rooted cultural heritage creates an environment conducive to violence, where attitudes of disrespect and aggression are sometimes naturalized or minimized. The worsening of this violence requires society to revisit its foundations and deconstruct patterns of behavior that historically devalue women, so that a culture of equality and respect can be built.
The perpetuation of gender stereotypes and the lack of comprehensive education on the topic contribute to the continuation of the cycle of violence. It is essential to recognize that gender-based violence is not an isolated problem, but rather a reflection of social structures that need to be profoundly changed. Esse transformation process requires a collective commitment to re-education, especially on the part of men, so that they become agents of change and combat machismo in all its manifestations.
The urgency of criminalizing misogyny on the legislative agenda
The criminalization of misogyny is a fundamental and urgent step to curb the spread of hatred against women. Propostas legislation, such as Projeto of Lei (PL) 896/2023, by senator The approval of this PL by the CCJ of Senado already demonstrates progress, but the slow processing in other instances prevents the measure from being effective.
Another important initiative is the proposal by Congresswoman Duda Salabert, which seeks to criminalize “organized incitement to misogyny”, focusing on hate speech disseminated on social media. Essas laws are crucial because an act of physical violence is often preceded by a repulsive ideology of hatred and dehumanization, which spreads virtually, reaching millions of people. Inaction allows this toxicity to infiltrate, shaping perception and behavior, especially of young people.
Pressure from civil society and popular demonstrations, such as the events organized in Dia Internacional of Mulher, is vital to speed up the processing of these projects in Congresso. It is imperative that legislators understand the seriousness of the problem and prioritize these issues. The criminalization of misogyny is not just a matter of punishment, but a clear sign that society will no longer tolerate symbolic and explicit violence against women.
Social networks and the spread of perverse ideologies
Social networks and digital platforms have become a worrying stage for the dissemination of misogynistic ideologies, such as those promoted by “red pill” and “incels” groups. Esses movements, which often operate covertly, influence young people and adolescents, inciting hatred and violence against women under the pretext of male empowerment or a supposed “truth” about gender relations. The rhetoric of these groups normalizes the culture of violence and rape, corrupting the perception of younger people.
Channels with millions of followers, for example, often use manipulative language, blaming victims of violence and naturalizing male supremacy, while presenting themselves as “protectors” or “mentors”. The actions of these platforms, which profit from the spread of toxic content, need to be urgently regulated, and those responsible for this hate speech must be held legally responsible. The lack of effective control over these digital spaces allows boys and girls to be exposed to a flood of harmful content, compromising the development of essential values such as respect and equality.
Education as a fundamental pillar of social transformation
Education emerges as an irreplaceable pillar to dismantle the roots of machismo and gender-based violence. Parental engagement is crucial, not just through conversations, but by daily example. It is vital that boys are educated in gender equality, unconditional respect and the principle of consent in all interactions. Além Furthermore, teaching them to share domestic responsibilities, express emotions without fear and resolve conflicts non-violently builds the foundation for healthy masculinity.
In the school environment, the responsibility is equally great. Pesquisas indicate that gender-based violence often begins early in schools, requiring immediate and effective intervention. It is imperative that educational institutions incorporate the discussion about gender and masculinity in a participatory way into their curricula. Sexual education, in turn, must prioritize the concepts of mutual consent and respect as central themes, enabling young people to identify and repudiate abusive behavior. Teacher training and creating safe spaces for dialogue are crucial steps for schools to become true catalysts for cultural change.
Digital control measures and public policies under development
The need for stricter control over social networks is an urgent issue, aiming to mitigate the influence of misogynistic content. Platforms can no longer escape responsibility for the spread of hate and must implement effective moderation and punishment mechanisms. Restricting access to certain networks and applications for children under 16, for example, could protect children and adolescents from early exposure to toxic speech, which often evolves from memes and jokes into narratives of conspiracy and incitement to violence.
Other public policies are being implemented to reinforce women’s safety. Entre Among them, the devices that alert the victim about the proximity of their attacker wearing an electronic ankle bracelet stand out. Essa measure, proposed by the federal government, aims to create an additional protection shield, allowing women to take precautions in a timely manner. The articulation between technology and public security represents a significant advance, although there is still a long way to go to guarantee full protection.
Male engagement and civil society initiatives
The role of adult men is crucial to eradicating misogynistic culture. It is essential that they actively engage in deconstructing sexist behaviors and speeches, criticizing jokes and opinions that perpetuate inequality. Esse commitment begins on a daily basis, within your social and family circles, where complacency with misogynistic attitudes must be replaced by an attitude of intervention and education. The task of exterminating this culture at its roots cannot be seen as a responsibility of women alone, but of society as a whole, with men taking a leading role in this transformation.
Civil society initiatives also demonstrate the growing movement for change. Campanhas and Grupo Boticário, which highlights that “women were taught to be ashamed of their own bodies. But today, shame is what they are doing to a woman’s body”, seek to change the narrative and empower victims. In partnership with Bloom Care, the group launched a free WhatsApp channel to offer support and information, creating an essential solidarity network for women.
The fight against impunity and the end of victim stigma
The case of gang rape in Copacabana, where the victim felt shame and the attackers went unpunished, is a cruel example of the mentality that needs to be combatted. Society still has a tendency to blame the victim, transferring the weight of the violence suffered to them. Essa culture of revictimization prevents many women from reporting and seeking help, perpetuating the cycle of silence and impunity.
The story of Gisele Pelicot, who after being drugged and raped several times by her husband, decided to break her anonymity and write a book, reinforces the need to change the side of shame. Sua frase “está na hora da vergonha mudar de lado” ecoa como um chamado para que a sociedade deixe de apontar o dedo para quem sofre e passe a responsabilizar, de fato, os agressores e as estruturas que permitem que tais crimes ocorram. It is imperative that the justice system functions quickly and effectively, ensuring that criminals are appropriately punished and that victims receive all the support they need to overcome the trauma.