Femicide jumps 22.2 percent during quarantine in Brazil

A new study by the Brazilian Public Security Forum found that femicide numbers in Brazil rose 22.2 percent in March and April, while millions remained at home due to Covid-19 social distancing measures. A total of 143 women were killed in episodes of domestic violence. The numbers are consistent with data released by the Human Rights Ministry in May, which prompted authorities to launch an app gathering data on domestic violence reports. 

Meanwhile, reports of grievous bodily harm caused by domestic violence fell in comparison to 2019 levels, which researchers believe is a result of victims finding it harder to attend police precincts to report said crimes. Sexual violence reports are also down, as these crimes require the victims to be examined at police stations. 

• Go deeper: Femicide rates spike in Brazil during quarantines

• #sexism
• #violence