A 29-year-old woman managed to escape a nightmare that lasted over two decades in Araucária, in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, she deceived her 51-year-old stepfather, claiming she needed to take her children to a health clinic, but instead went to a Civil Police station to report him. The man, who held her in captivity for 22 years, was arrested on the spot. The victim reported physical, psychological, and sexual abuse that began when she was just 7 years old.
The victim’s mother, who was also a victim of the suspect’s aggression during their marriage, stated she was unaware of the abuse her daughter endured. Despite living in the same yard after their separation, she did not suspect the captivity. The report brought to light a shocking case of domestic violence, involving surveillance cameras and threats to control the victim.
The story gained attention after the victim’s sister encouraged her to seek help. The young woman, who has three children with the aggressor, lived under constant monitoring and psychological violence. The police are now investigating other men who may be involved in the abuse, as the suspect forced the victim to engage with third parties while recording the acts.
- Details of the report: The young woman went to the police station after deceiving her stepfather, reporting abuse and captivity.
- Suspect’s arrest: The man was arrested on the spot at his residence.
- Victim support: She and her children were taken to a safe location.
- Ongoing investigation: Police are working to identify others involved in the abuse.
Extreme control and camera surveillance
The case revealed an alarming level of control exerted by the aggressor. According to the Civil Police, the man used five cameras installed inside and outside the house to monitor the victim’s every move. She rarely left the house, and the suspect tracked her actions meticulously, often through calls and messages. While the young woman was at the police station, the man sent over 15 threatening audio messages and made more than 30 calls, reinforcing the climate of terror he imposed.
The victim reported that the threats began in childhood, with the aggressor stating that “separation would only come through death.” This psychological control, combined with physical abuse, made it nearly impossible for her to seek help. The young woman was also forced to engage with other men under the stepfather’s surveillance, who recorded the acts. The police seized the cameras and videos found on the suspect’s phone, which are now being analyzed as part of the investigation.
The case’s lead investigator, Delegate Eduardo Kruger, highlighted the complexity of the situation. “The aggressor manipulated the victim emotionally, using fear and shame to keep her silent. This type of psychological violence is devastating and prevents many victims from seeking help,” he stated. The investigation covers charges such as rape of a vulnerable person, deprivation of liberty, stalking, and psychological violence.
- Constant monitoring: Five cameras watched the victim inside and outside the house.
- Ongoing threats: The suspect sent threatening audio messages while she was at the station.
- Psychological manipulation: The victim was convinced no one would believe her.
Family reaction and impact of the report
The victim’s mother, who separated from the aggressor when the young woman was 10, was shocked to learn of the abuse. She reported having suffered physical aggression during the marriage but had no idea her daughter was enduring a similar nightmare. After the separation, the mother and daughters continued living in the same yard as the suspect due to financial dependency, which made it harder to notice the captivity.
When the young woman became pregnant at 16, the mother learned the child was fathered by her ex-husband but could not convince her daughter to break away from him. “I tried talking to her, but she wouldn’t listen. It was a shock because she saw him beating me,” the mother said. After the pregnancy, she moved to another location but kept in touch with her daughter and grandchildren, unaware of the severity of the situation.
The report marked a turning point for the family. Encouraged by her sister, the victim found the courage to seek help. The Civil Police acted swiftly, arresting the suspect and ensuring protection for the young woman and her children. Protective measures are under review to guarantee the family’s safety.
Mechanisms of psychological violence
Psychological violence was a key tool used by the aggressor to maintain control over the victim. According to Jéssica Tonioti da Purificação, a psychologist from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, cases of chronic abuse often involve manipulation to convince the victim that she is to blame or that no one will believe her story. “The aggressor makes the victim believe the violence is normal, part of her life. This destroys her self-esteem and prevents her from seeking help,” she explained.
Shame and fear of retaliation also play a central role. Many victims, especially those abused since childhood, internalize the violence as inevitable. In the Araucária case, the young woman stated that fear of threats kept her from speaking out, even with her mother living nearby. The use of cameras and constant surveillance reinforced this control.
- Emotional manipulation: The aggressor convinced the victim she was responsible for the abuse.
- Social isolation: The young woman rarely left the house, under the suspect’s control.
- Psychological impact: Constant fear prevented her from reporting for over two decades.
- Psychological support: The victim is now receiving assistance to overcome the trauma.
Reporting channels and protection
The case underscores the importance of accessible reporting channels for domestic violence. In Paraná, women in at-risk situations can access various resources for help. The Women’s Assistance Hotline, at 180, operates 24/7 and is free of charge. For emergencies, calling 190 for the Military Police is the immediate option.
Additionally, incident reports can be filed at police stations or online through the Civil Police platform. Urgent protective measures can be requested directly at police stations, the Public Defender’s Office, or the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In Paraná, the Ampara platform allows women to request online assistance without needing an incident report.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office psychologist emphasizes the need for awareness about these channels. “Many victims don’t know their rights or are afraid to report. We need to promote these tools and ensure they feel safe seeking help,” she stated.
- Hotline 180: Women’s Assistance Hotline, available 24/7.
- Military Police 190: Immediate assistance in at-risk situations.
- Ampara platform: Online requests for protective measures in Paraná.
- Police stations: In-person or online incident report filing.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
The Civil Police continue to investigate the case to identify potential accomplices of the aggressor. Videos seized from the suspect’s phone are being analyzed to determine if other men were involved in the abuse. The suspect, who denied the crimes during questioning, remains in custody, and his defense has chosen not to comment at this time.
The victim and her children are in a safe location, receiving psychological and social support. Protective measures are under review to ensure the family’s safety. The case also reignites the debate on the need for stronger public policies to combat domestic violence and protect victims of prolonged abuse.
The courage of the young woman from Araucária serves as a warning about the importance of recognizing signs of violence and providing support to victims. The report, encouraged by her sister, was the first step in breaking a cycle of abuse that lasted over two decades.
