The story of Manoel Anésio, a 60 -year -old goalkeeper in a native condominium, Brazil, has been recognized as a crucial act in the fight against gender violence. On July 26, while making his usual turn, he observed through the security cameras a brutal aggression: a man wildly hit a woman inside the elevator.
The 35 -year -old victim was beaten 61 times by her then partner, Igor Eduardo Cabral, 29, who was arrested – in flagrance – by the police after the goalkeeper’s notice.
The woman, who was beaten for not leaving the elevator, suffered multiple fractures in the face and jaw, and underwent surgery from which she is currently recovering.
Anésio’s immediate call to the authorities, as well as his coordination with the building’s residents to detain the aggressor when the elevator reached the first floor was key.
This was highlighted by Amanda Sadalla, Master in Public Policies from the University of Oxford and director of the Serenas NGO, which works in the prevention of gender violence, in Brazil.
“The goalkeeper acted as a true agent of change. He knew how to identify the crime, react quickly and protect the victim. His intervention was vital,” said Sadalla.
As explained by the expert, it is urgent that professionals of direct contact with citizens, such as goalkeepers, police or public transport drivers, are trained.
Cabral now faces charges for attempt at femicide and remains in preventive detention, as confirmed by the Brazilian authorities. Anésio’s action avoided a fatal outcome.
