BETWEEN GRIEF AND THE LAW: THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN RELATION TO THE ORPHANS OF FEMICIDE IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Violence against women, in its most lethal manifestation — femicide — destabilizes families and profoundly affects the victims’ children, placing them in situations of multiple vulnerabilities. These orphans, often rendered invisible by the justice system and public policies, face severe emotional, social, and economic consequences. The relevance of this topic increases in light of alarming femicide rates in Brazil, especially in the Federal District. This study begins with an analysis of the legal framework and the State’s role in safeguarding the rights of these minors, aiming to fill the gap in research that explores orphanhood resulting from femicide as an issue of State responsibility. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that the violent death of their mothers not only interrupts a family project but also triggers a cycle of violations that the State must address in a structured manner. The impact of this reality extends beyond the private sphere, constituting a social problem that demands urgent and integrated responses. Thus, understanding how the Brazilian legal system has addressed — or failed to address — the orphans of femicide allows for an assessment of the effectiveness of existing public policies and helps identify shortcomings that hinder the full protection of these minors. In this context, this study seeks to contribute to academic and institutional debate by proposing reflections on State responsibility and the need to ensure support mechanisms capable of mitigating the harm caused by this extremely serious crime.