During the carnival festivities in São Paulo, Brazil, a total of 22 people were arrested for gender violence and harassment between Saturday and Tuesday, according to the Women’s Defense Department. Throughout the four days, 285 police reports were filed, highlighting a significant rise in complaints of sexual harassment, bodily injury, and threats against women. The police department noted that the majority of these incidents occurred at street block parties, which serve as popular venues for carnival celebrations.

In response to the alarming number of cases, police forces, including female officers, actively monitored these street events to provide preventive measures. Many arrests were made on-site as suspects were caught in the act. Additionally, the authorities set up support tents in crowded areas to guide and assist victims, emphasizing the importance of immediate reporting and response. Many women utilized these resources, leading to the prompt registration of incidents and subsequent apprehension of offenders.

This initiative not only underlines the ongoing issues of gender violence and harassment encountered during large public gatherings like carnival but also showcases the efforts of law enforcement and local agencies to improve the safety of women. The reported incidents and the police's decisive actions reflect a growing awareness of the need for protective measures and support for victims in festive settings, calling attention to both the culture of carnival and the societal challenges surrounding gender-based violence in Brazil.