Juliana Santiago, a dedicated teacher and advocate against violence towards women, was tragically murdered by her student, João Cândido da Costa Junior, in a classroom in Porto Velho, Brazil. At the time of her death, she was working at the Specialized Police Station for Women's Assistance (Delegacia Especializada no Atendimento à Mulher) in Vilhena, where she provided crucial services related to domestic and gender-based violence. Her commitment to helping victims was evident throughout her career in the Civil Police, in which she held various roles, including that of a clerk and investigator.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of educators and the issues surrounding student-educator relationships. Authorities reported that Santiago, age 41, was fatally injured after being stabbed multiple times, with a deadly blow to the heart being the cause of her death. Initial investigations suggest the attack stemmed from the teacher's rejection of the student's advances, which adds a complicated layer to the already tragic narrative. The community's shock and grief over the loss of a teacher dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals has sparked discussions about violence in educational institutions.

In the wake of this incident, attention is drawn to the critical issue of violence against women and the importance of supporting educators dedicated to this cause. Santiago's work in addressing domestic violence underscores the broader context of gender-based violence in Brazil, which remains a pressing issue. The tragically violent nature of her death calls for urgent responses from both the educational and law enforcement sectors in protecting teachers and addressing the societal issues that lead to such acts of violence.