FEMINICIDE IN BRAZIL DURING THE PANDEMIC: AN ANALYSIS OF CRIMINAL LAW AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Abstract

Domestic violence is a serious global problem that involves physical, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse inflicted by one family member or intimate partner against another within the domestic environment. In the Brazilian legal system, domestic violence is supported by the Maria da Penha Law (Law nº 11,340/2006). Many women, after suffering numerous forms of violence still lose their lives because of their genre, configuring the so  called femicide. The growth of domestic violence and femicide is also perceived during the pandemic occurred due to the new coronavirus, which implied in addition to other measures, social isolation. Given this situation, the present study aimed to discuss the causes and effects of femicide growth during the pandemic caused by coronavirus. The methodology employed was the review of literature, based on books, scientific articles, legislation and jurisprudence. In the results, it was evident that during the pandemic (March to December 2020) there was a significant increase in cases of domestic violence and femicide, highlighting actions more incisive to measures to protect and prevent women during this period. Thus, it was realized that the Maria da Penha Law was not effective in combating and decreasing the violence suffered by women during this period.