Brazil grapples with alimony‑related femicide risk and school law to curb violence against women

Requests for alimony in Brazil have surged 63.4% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 410,298 cases in 2025. Advocates say women who seek child support are increasingly exposed to threats, domestic violence and, in some cases, femicide. The article cites the 2010 murder of model Eliza Samudio, whose ex‑partner, goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes de Souza, was convicted of ordering her killing after she pursued paternity and alimony rights. Experts note that four women are killed daily in Brazil, with about 60% of femicides committed by current or former partners, and that the first year after leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous.

In Mato Grosso, the state government approved Law 13.459/2026 establishing a permanent policy for safety, prevention and protection in public schools. The law integrates education, public security, health and social assistance, mandates metal detectors, anti‑bullying programs and the inclusion of curriculum content on violence against women across all subjects. State Secretary of Education Alan Porto emphasized a “zero‑tolerance” stance and the role of schools in early prevention of gender‑based violence.