With 111 orphans from femicides in 4 years, agencies discuss improvements in protection policies
In Brazil, 111 children have become orphans due to femicide in the past four years, prompting discussions on policy reforms for their protection.
Over the past four years, there have been 111 reported cases of children and adolescents under the age of 18 becoming orphans in Acre, Brazil due to femicide. This tragic statistic highlights the often-overlooked ramifications of domestic violence and the urgent need for comprehensive protection policies for the affected minors. In response to this crisis, various oversight and control agencies convened at the Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Acre (TCE-AC) to strategize improvements and enhance the execution of protective measures for these vulnerable children.
The legal classification of femicide in Brazil began with the federal law enacted in March 2015, which mandates that such murders are accounted for separately from other types of homicide. Femicide is defined by crimes involving domestic and family violence combined with a devaluation or discrimination against the female victim. The penalties for perpetrators range from 12 to 30 years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of these offenses. This nuanced legal approach underscores the gravity of femicide, prompting societal calls for stronger protections and support systems for the victims' dependents.
At the recent meeting, the discussion also revolved around the alignment of actions regarding the Lei Estadual de Proteção e Atenção Integral aos Órfãos e Órfãs de Feminicídio, which was established in 2022. This law aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by children who have lost their mothers to femicide. However, despite being sanctioned over two years ago, the financial support for these orphans has yet to be fully implemented. The ongoing delay in regulations has prompted concerns among various stakeholders about the safety and well-being of these children, therefore amplifying the call for immediate and actionable changes in protective policies and assistance frameworks.