A new study on domestic violence, Map of Violence 2010, found that 10 women are killed every day in Brazil as a result of domestic violence. From 1997 to 2007, more than 41,000 women were killed, according to this study.
One way that Brazil has tried to address its domestic violence problem has been its women’s police stations. These police stations are designed to prosecute gender-based crimes. While in theory this model has the potential for positive impact, in practice, the model has not been effective as most cases do not result in prosecution. Women’s police stations have had countless complaints of threats filed, yet the majority of these cases have not led to prosecution.
Since the release of this study, there have been a number of high profile cases that have brought the issue to the forefront in Brazil. However, despite the recent public attention and despite the establishment of women’s police stations, violence against women is still a severe problem in Brazil as ten women lose their lives every day to domestic violence.
Compiled from: De Moura, Helena, Brazil – Domestic Violence Study – 10 Women Killed Daily, CNN, (12 July 2010).