Mar 17 • 14:06 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

More than 140 children lost their mothers to femicide in the last two years in MS

More than 140 children and teenagers in Mato Grosso do Sul have lost their mothers to femicide in the past two years, according to state public ministry data.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, over 140 children and adolescents have lost their mothers due to femicide in the last two years, highlighting a troubling trend acknowledged by the state's public ministry. These children, often left without the primary emotional and material support within their homes, face significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of such trauma. The local child protective services are stepping in to find suitable family members to care for these young ones, typically placing them with grandparents or aunts, thus extending the family unit's responsibilities in addressing these crises.

The emotional toll on these children is compounded by the legal and social aftermath of femicide, where they are entitled to specific benefits laid out by law. The Federal Government provides a special pension that offers these orphans a minimum wage monthly until they reach adulthood, which is a crucial lifeline as they navigate life without their mothers. The societal implications of these laws reflect a recognition of the need to provide some measure of support to those left in the wake of such devastating acts of violence against women.

The situation is poignantly illustrated by the case of five siblings, aged between 1 and 16, who were left orphaned after their mother fell victim to femicide. Their grandmother has taken on the responsibility of caring for them, although she struggles with the challenges of abrupt family restructuring. Her statement about the difficulties of moving forward while providing necessary care for her grandchildren emphasizes the urgent need for broader community support to help those affected by such tragedies, showcasing that while the legal framework may provide some assistance, the emotional and psychological rebuilding is still a significant hurdle for these children and their guardians.

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