The state of São Paulo recorded a record number of feminicides during the first quarter of 2026, prompting urgent government intervention.
This spike in violence indicates a critical failure in existing protection measures and necessitates a systemic shift in how the state handles gender-based crimes.
Public security authorities reported 27 feminicides in January 2026 [2]. This contributed to a total of 55 killings recorded during the first two months of the year [1]. These figures represent a rise of approximately 41% [3] when compared to the same period in 2025.
In response to the data, the state government announced the creation of a specialized task force to protect women [4]. Officials are also studying the establishment of a dedicated department for women’s protection, modeled after the Department of Homicide and Personal Protection (DHPP) [4].
For broader context, the state recorded 270 cases of feminicide throughout the entirety of 2025 [4]. The current trajectory in 2026 suggests a significant acceleration in lethal violence against women across the region.
Government representatives said the new measures aim to curb the rising numbers through more targeted investigations and preventative security protocols [4]. The proposed specialized department would focus specifically on the nuances of domestic and gender-motivated violence to ensure higher conviction rates and better victim support.
“São Paulo recorded a record number of feminicides during the first quarter of 2026”
The record-breaking surge in feminicides in São Paulo suggests that previous strategies to combat gender-based violence are insufficient. By proposing a specialized department and a dedicated task force, the state is acknowledging that general police protocols are unable to address the specific patterns of feminicide. The 41% increase highlights a volatile security environment for women that may require not only more police resources but also deeper integration of social services and judicial urgency.
