Brazil Strengthens Police Support Amid Record Feminicide Rates in 2025

Brazil witnessed a tragic high in feminicide cases in 2025, with an average of four women murdered daily, highlighting a deeply concerning societal issue. One poignant case was that of Tainara Souza Santos, 31, who was fatally attacked by her ex-partner in São Paulo. She endured a brutal assault where she was hit and dragged over a kilometer by him along the Marginal Tietê. Despite undergoing at least five complex surgeries and nearly a month of hospitalization, Santos succumbed, and her case transitioned from an attempted feminicide to a confirmed feminicide investigation.

In response to this alarming trend, the state of Goiás is taking active measures to combat violence against women. On January 20, 2026, 30 new vehicles were delivered to the Civil Police's Specialized Police Stations for Women (Deams). This delivery was part of a R$ 4.1 million investment from the Fundo Protege, adding to a total of R$ 26 million invested since early 2023 in initiatives aimed at protecting women. The initiative aims to improve the infrastructure and responsiveness of police support services, especially in rural and urban areas.

First Lady Gracinha Caiado emphasized the integrated approach involving the Maria da Penha Battalion and Lilac Rooms, which together provide multifaceted care for victims of violence. Goiás currently operates 28 specialized police stations, with plans to introduce a mobile station to extend services to remote municipalities. Authorities like Renato Brum of the Public Security Secretariat reaffirmed the state's dedication to prioritizing women's safety and ensuring effective responses to violence. André Ganga, the Civil Police general delegate, highlighted the importance not only of investigation but also of victim support and societal education to change attitudes toward violence against women.

These developments come as Brazil grapples with a record-breaking number of feminicides, underscoring both the magnitude of the problem and the government’s commitment to addressing it through enhanced law enforcement resources and victim-centered approaches.