Paraguay reports 17 feminicides and rising gender violence in 2026

Official data from the Paraguayan Public Ministry reveals a critical rise in gender-based violence, recording 17 victims of feminicide through August 10, 2026. These deaths stem from 16 criminal cases, including one instance involving two victims. Additionally, there have been 25 attempted feminicides reported.

The Central Department has recorded the highest number of cases with nine victims, followed by Concepción with three. Other reported cases occurred in Canindeyú, Asunción, Alto Paraná, and Caazapá. The victims' ages range from 12 to 80 years old. The violence has had significant collateral impact, leaving 33 children as indirect victims, 24 of whom are minors.

Elida Favole, Director of Gender Policies at the Public Ministry, noted the extreme brutality in several incidents, stating that in at least 10 cases there was “alto ensañamiento” (high degree of cruelty), including one victim who received 64 stab wounds. Methods of killing included sharp weapons in 10 cases, firearms in three, and asphyxiation in one. Currently, 12 suspects are under indictment, while in five cases, the perpetrators committed suicide.