Tocantins sees 52.8% surge in femicides in 2025, according to Public Security Yearbook
The Brazilian Public Security Yearbook for 2026 reveals a significant increase in violence against women in Tocantins, Brazil. In 2025, the state recorded a 52.8% rise in femicides compared to the previous year, with the total number of victims climbing from 13 to 20. This marks a reversal from a 28.3% reduction in femicides observed between 2023 and 2024. Beyond femicides, other crimes against women, including threats, stalking, psychological violence, and bodily harm, also saw increases. Bodily harm cases rose by 5.3%, stalking by 2.3%, and psychological violence by 9.6%. The report also indicated a rise in the non-compliance of protective orders, with 853 cases in 2025 compared to 699 in 2024. Legal professionals highlighted that victims often experience escalating forms of violence before femicide, sometimes even with existing protective measures in place. The Secretary of Public Security stated that prevention actions have been intensified and the 'Operação Mulher Segura' (Safe Woman Operation) was expanded and made permanent in 2026, with a focus on prioritizing femicide investigations. The Secretary also noted a 2.2% decrease in intentional violent deaths in Tocantins overall between 2024 and 2025, reaching a historic low since 2012, alongside reductions in police lethality and property crimes.
The sharp rise in femicides in Tocantins, despite a broader decrease in overall violent deaths, presents a critical public safety challenge. This trend underscores the persistent systemic issues in addressing gender-based violence, potentially linked to insufficient specialized support services and awareness gaps for victims seeking help. While the state has pledged to enhance prevention and investigation efforts, the data suggests a need for a deeper analysis of the efficacy of current protective measures and the root causes of escalating violence. Future strategies should consider integrating community-based support, improving access to justice for women, and addressing the socio-cultural factors that perpetuate such violence, especially in the context of evolving societal norms and technological advancements that could be leveraged for both prevention and perpetration.
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