Gender-based political violence in Brazil increase 11-fold in 4 years
The Superior Electoral Court found that the number of cases involving gender-based political violence has increased more than 11-fold in four years. In 2022, 15 cases were brought before the Electoral Court. As of September 2026, cases have reached 177. Since 2018, the federal prosecutors have recorded 436 complaints of gender-based political violence. In more than half of the cases (221), this…
Brazilian Electoral Court reveals a staggering 11-fold surge in gender-based political violence over the past four years, with cases surging from 15 in 2022 to 177 in September 2026. Federal prosecutors have logged 436 complaints, with 221 driven by moral transgressions and 177 involving psychological abuse. Half of Brazilian women report experiencing violence from partners, and digital violence against women has risen by 188% within a year.
The Superior Electoral Court and Federal Prosecution Service launched a campaign titled "Politics is a Feminine Noun" to raise public awareness about various forms of political violence against women, including intimidation, honor attacks, threats, and murders. High-profile incidents like the 2018 murder of Rio Councilwoman Marielle Franco and the 2014 attacks on Congresswoman Maria do Rosário underscore the escalating nature of this violence.
Judges and advocates argue that gender-based political violence stifles women's participation in politics, both directly and indirectly, ultimately undermining democracy. Women in elected office remain underrepresented, with Brazil ranking 135th out of 184 countries for female representation in Parliament. Local governments see even more glaring disparities, with over 700 municipalities without a single female leader and just 16% of city governments headed by women.
Women's rights and black rights groups have urged authorities to implement effective measures to address the surge in gender and race-based political violence, particularly targeting black, lesbian, bisexual, and trans women who face heightened threats of death, sexual violence, and persecution.
Written by urgent.news from Agencia Brasil's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
