THE CRIME OF FEMINICIDE: LEGAL AND SOCIAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT LAW Nº. 14.994/2024

Abstract

Law No. 14.994/2024 represents a new legal framework for combating femicide, introducing significant changes to the criminal treatment of this crime, including changes to investigation timelines, monitoring of at-risk victims, and harsher penalties. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to critically analyze the legal and social aspects of the new legislation, investigating whether Law No. 14.994/2024 represents effective progress in the fight against femicide or whether its provisions remain insufficient given the complexity of the problem. The study was based on a literature review of scientific articles, books, journals, and current legislation on the topic. Data collection was conducted using databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, and others, from 2020 to 2025. The results clearly show that, although the new legislation represents a symbolic and normative advance, it is important to recognize that tougher penalties alone are not enough to curb the rise in femicides. Effectively combating violence against women requires integrated actions between the justice system, public security and social assistance policies, and educational policies focused on gender equality and human rights. Furthermore, recent case law interpretations, such as those issued by the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories, demonstrate a movement toward adapting and consolidating the new legal understanding, reinforcing the typical-normative continuity and the compatibility between the qualifiers of homicide and femicide.