Brazilian law student Clara Souza's TCC on gender violence goes viral

Clara Emilly de Souza Almeida, a 22‑year‑old law student at the Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (UVA) in Sobral, Ceará, presented a final dissertation titled “Antes Elize do que Eliza”. The work examines gender‑based violence and the media’s sensationalisation of high‑profile criminal cases, specifically referencing the murders of Elize Matsunaga (2012) and Eliza Samudio (2010).

The title and a photo of Souza’s defense spread on Instagram, TikTok and X, prompting widespread online discussion. Some users praised the research, urging it to be published as a book, while others misinterpreted the title as defending the perpetrators. Souza clarified that the phrase is a social phenomenon reflecting women’s sense of insecurity, not her personal view. The 130‑page study analyses how media coverage and public opinion shape narratives around such cases, highlighting revictimisation and distrust of institutions.

Social‑media reactions ranged from “Sensational! I’d like to read the thesis” to criticism such as “Not everyone who studies law should study law”. The debate underscores ongoing concerns about gender violence and media influence in Brazil.