Roraima leads Brazil in psychological violence against women for 5th consecutive year
Roraima, Brazil, has recorded the highest rate of psychological violence against women in the country for the fifth consecutive year, according to the 20th Brazilian Public Security Yearbook released by the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP). In 2025, the state registered 1,173.5 cases per 100,000 women, a rate 21 times higher than the national average of 55.6. A total of 4,266 women were victims of psychological violence in Roraima in 2025. Despite a 27.6% decrease from the previous year, the state's rate remains significantly above the national average. Psychological violence encompasses actions causing emotional harm or damaging self-esteem, including threats, humiliation, manipulation, isolation, stalking, and blackmail, and was criminalized in Brazil in 2021. Nationally, 60,830 cases were reported. Other states with rates above the national average include Mato Grosso, Amazonas, the Federal District, Amapá, and Santa Catarina. Rondônia reported no cases, having the lowest rate. The report also highlighted that Roraima saw a 20.6% reduction in stalking cases in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the rate falling to 134.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, a trend contrary to the national increase in such crimes. Despite reductions in psychological violence and stalking, other indicators in Roraima, such as the violation of protective measures, remain high, with a rate of 90.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, also above the national average.
The persistent high rates of psychological violence against women in Roraima, despite a reported decrease, highlight systemic challenges in addressing gender-based violence. The significant disparity between Roraima's rate and the national average suggests localized factors, potentially related to enforcement, reporting mechanisms, or societal norms, require focused investigation. While the criminalization of psychological violence and stalking in 2021 is a legislative step, its effective implementation and impact are clearly uneven across Brazil. The continued high rate of violations of protective measures indicates a critical gap between legal protections and their practical enforcement, potentially leaving victims vulnerable. Future efforts should consider integrated approaches that combine legal, social, and educational interventions to foster a safer environment and address the root causes of these persistent inequalities.
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