FEMINICIDE IN BRAZIL: A STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF CRIMINALIZATION AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING WOMEN

Abstract

Femicide constitutes the most severe manifestation of gender-based violence, representing a direct violation of fundamental rights and a significant challenge to the principles of the Democratic Rule of Law. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the criminalization of femicide, established by Law No. 13.104/2015, as a legal mechanism for the protection and safeguarding of women in Brazil. The research examines legal provisions and the sociocultural dimensions surrounding their implementation, highlighting legislative advancements, institutional shortcomings, and operational barriers in addressing gender violence. Furthermore, it explores the impact of gender stereotypes within the criminal justice system and their influence on prosecutorial outcomes. The methodology employed is qualitative in nature, based on bibliographic review, with the objective of determining whether the legal framework has effectively fulfilled its preventive and punitive functions in relation to femicide.