FEMICIDE: LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHANGES AND IMPACTS OF LAW Nº 14.994/2024

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the legal and social effects resulting from Law nº 14.994/2024, which established femicide as a standalone crime, moving it from a homicide qualifier to an autonomous criminal type. The research is exploratory and bibliographic, based on legislation, doctrine, and recent empirical data. It first examines the historical-legislative context of the law, then compares the previous and current wording, highlighting practical impacts on criminal prosecution, as well as the symbolic and social significance of the change. Findings suggest that the law increased punitive severity and reinforced discourse against gender violence, although challenges remain regarding the effectiveness of women’s protection. It concludes that the law represents significant progress in combating femicide but requires integration with preventive public policies to achieve full effectiveness.