Tens of thousands of people have marched in the streets across Brazil to protest against femicide and gender-based violence.
It comes after a series of high-profile cases of gender-based violence have brought attention to the crisis.
The protests took place in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other major cities on Sunday, with protestors chanting phrases like “stop killing us”. In Rio de Janeiro, protestors put up black crosses.
The women-led protests sprung into action after a spate of horrific acts of gender-based violence in Brazil over recent months.
One is the case of Taynara Souza Santos, 31, who was run over by her ex-partner and trapped by the car which dragged her for one kilometre. She had to have both legs amputated, according to local media reports. The case was registered as an attempted femicide.
There is also the case of 31-year-old Catarina Kasten who was murdered and sexually assaulted by a man in a wooded area in Florianópolis while on her way to a swimming lesson.
In Brazil, 33.4 per cent of women aged 16 or over have experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex-partner in their lifetime.
In 2024, 1,492 women were victims of femicide, according to the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety.
Femicide is defined as the deliberate killing of women and girls due to their gender. It was first made a specific crime in 2015 in Brazil, when it was introduced into the penal code.
Last year, Brazil signed into law a bill that increases the potential jail term for femicide to 40 years.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.