Violent deaths in Brazil fall 8.2% in 2025, but feminicides rise 4%
Despite an 8.2% drop in overall violent deaths in Brazil in 2025, feminicides rose by 4%, highlighting growing gender-based violence concerns amid broader declines.
- • Overall intentional violent deaths decreased by 8.2% in Brazil from 2024 to 2025.
- • Homicides dropped 10%, but feminicides rose 4%, totaling 1,571 cases.
- • Attempts of feminicide increased by 5.9%, with 4,189 survivors recorded.
- • Seven states experienced increases in violent deaths, with the Northeast region remaining the most violent.
Key details
Brazil saw a significant 8.2% decline in intentional violent deaths from 2024 to 2025, with rates dropping below 20 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants for the first time since 2012. According to the 20th edition of the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, released on July 23, 2026, the number of violent deaths totaled 40,775 in 2025 compared to 44,127 the year before. This decline encompasses decreases in homicides (down 10%), robberies followed by death (down 17%), and bodily harm leading to death (down 15.2%). However, the report highlights troubling rises in certain categories: feminicides increased by 4% to 1,571 cases, with gender-based killings accounting for 44.4% of female homicide victims. Additionally, attempts of feminicide rose by 5.9%, with 4,189 survivors recorded in 2025. Deaths during police interventions also climbed by 5.4% to 6,602 cases.
Geographical disparities stand out, as seven states—including Rio Grande do Norte with a 19.6% increase and Rio de Janeiro—experienced rises in violent deaths, largely linked to criminal conflicts. Conversely, states like Amazonas and Rio Grande do Sul recorded significant decreases, by 32.5% and 25.7% respectively. The Northeast remains the most violent region, housing several of the country’s most dangerous cities. Demographically, 90% of violent death victims are men, and 79.7% are Black individuals, with young adults aged 18 to 24 most affected.
These findings present a complex picture of violence in Brazil. While overall violent deaths have declined substantially—marking a 31% reduction since 2012—the increase in feminicides and deaths by police intervention emphasize persistent and emerging challenges. The rising feminicide rate, including nearly three attempts for every completed case, signals the ongoing critical need for efforts to combat gender-based violence. State authorities continue striving to implement policies and enforcement measures targeting these issues amid shifting crime patterns across the country.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Total homicides reported
Sources report different total homicide numbers for 2025.
agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br
"The report also noted a decline in homicides (-10%), but does not specify the total number."
cnnbrasil.com.br
"Overall, 32,914 homicides were recorded, showing a 10% decrease from 2024."
Why this matters: One source states there were 32,914 homicides in 2025, while the other does not provide this specific figure. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the overall homicide situation in Brazil.
Deaths due to police intervention
Sources report different numbers for deaths due to police intervention in 2025.
agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br
"Deaths from police interventions increased by 5.4%."
cnnbrasil.com.br
"There was a 5.4% rise in deaths due to police intervention, with 6,602 such cases in 2025."
Why this matters: One source mentions a rise in deaths due to police intervention but does not specify a number, while the other states there were 6,602 cases. This affects the understanding of police-related violence in Brazil.