Violence Against Women Rises in Brazil in 2023 Amid Homicide Stagnation - Folha de S.Paulo

Reports of violence against women in Brazil increased in 2023, even as overall homicide numbers stagnated and murders declined nationwide. There were 275,275 reports of assault, up from 221,240 in 2022. The homicide rate remained stable at 3.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants both years. In 2023, there were 3,903 homicides registered, a 2.5% increase over 2022, which had 3,806 victims.

Six out of ten violent incidents —177,086 in total— occurred at home, according to the Atlas of Violence 2025. These were followed by cases of community violence (59,611) —committed by people outside the family, such as neighbors or strangers—, mixed violence (34,653), and institutional violence (3,925), which involves some form of hierarchy.

The most frequent type of violence in 2023 was physical (37.4%), followed by multiple forms (30.3%). Neglect accounted for 12% of cases, and psychological and sexual violence made up 10.1% and 9.5%, respectively.

Over the course of life, neglect is the most common form of violence against girls aged 0 to 9 (49.5%). Sexual violence becomes predominant between ages 10 and 14 (45.7%), while physical violence is most common among women aged 20 to 69. From age 70 onward, neglect becomes the leading form again (33.3%).

In racial terms, the Atlas reports that Black women are the most frequent homicide victims, accounting for 2,662 deaths —or 68.2% of cases. "The data reveal the tragic intersection of patriarchal culture and structural racism, both deeply rooted in Brazil," the report states.