A 22-year-old man from Novo Horizonte, Brazil takes on the guardianship of his two younger siblings following the femicide of their mother, highlighting the broader impact of such violence.
The recent femicides in Brazil, particularly in São Paulo, have raised alarms about the impact of such crimes on victims beyond the murdered women. In Novo Horizonte, a 22-year-old named Josiane Borges Furlaneto has assumed responsibility for his two younger siblings after their mother was murdered on March 10 of the previous year, underscoring the significant repercussions of familial loss due to violence against women. This situation is particularly poignant as it coincides with the International Women’s Day, drawing attention to the stark statistics surrounding gender-based violence in the country.
In 2025, Brazil recorded alarming numbers of femicides, with an average of four women being killed daily, according to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The state of São Paulo witnessed a surge in such cases, with 266 women murdered – the highest figure in seven years. The rise in domestic violence cases is equally concerning, as evidenced by more than 3,000 women seeking help in São José do Rio Preto alone between January and August in 2025. These statistics reflect a critical social issue that impacts countless families and communities across the region.
The story of Josiane Borges Furlaneto serves as a disturbing reminder of the immediate and long-lasting effects of violence against women, not just for the victims, but also for their families. The youth’s responsibility towards his siblings speaks volumes about the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in society, advocating for better support systems for victims and their families, especially in deadlier environments. As Brazil grapples with these increasing violence rates, the need for systemic change becomes ever more crucial to protect vulnerable individuals and nurture safer communities.
