Mato Grosso records 26 femicides in 2026, June sets new murder record

The Mato Grosso state observatory confirmed 26 femicide cases in 2026, with June reporting the highest number of killings. Cuiabá and Várzea Grande each registered three victims, leading the state, while several other municipalities reported one or two cases. The most common weapon was a knife, followed by asphyxiation, strangulation, firearms and blunt force.

Only two of the 26 victims had active protective orders and eight had previously filed police reports against their attackers. The majority of perpetrators were ex‑husbands or ex‑partners, motivated by possessiveness and gender‑based contempt. Women of mixed race with complete secondary education were the most frequent victim profile. The crimes left 32 children orphaned, and the federal law (Law No. 14.994/2024) allows sentences of up to 40 years for femicide.