Brazil Approves New Anti-Femicide Law

Brazil has approved a new bill this week that increases the penalty for femicide, labeling the act a “heinous crimes.”

The bill was passed by the Brazilian Parliament Tuesday, marking a major win for the Women's Caucus of the House or Representatives and Brazilian women ahead of International Women's Day on Mar. 8. It will now be sent to President Dilma Rousseff to sign into law.

“This is a further step in the Brazilian legislation in the fight against sexism that daily kills women in our country,” said Congresswoman Maria do Rosario on her facebook page.

The new legislation alters the Criminal Code to describe femicide as any crime that involves domestic violence, contempt or discrimination against women. It also defines such acts as “aggravated murder,” which increases the penalties to 12-30 years. The bill also includes measures that will increase the punishment if the crime against a women occurs during a pregnancy or within three months of giving birth.

The bill will also increase penalties for crimes against children under 14 years old, people greater than 60 years old, and people with disabilities.

According to a report by the United Nations Human Rights Commission released in August, reliable figures for femicide are difficult to establish. However, the Small Arms Survey, a research organization established by the Swiss Government, estimates that globally 65,000 women and girls are murdered each year, which accounts for almost a fifth of all homicides.

See Also: Femicides: An Ongoing Tragedy in Mexico