The majority of black women in Brazil (53%) who suffered some type of domestic violence experienced their first experience of aggression at a young age, before the age of 25. The data comes from the National Survey of Violence against Black Women carried out by DataSenado and Nexus – Research and Data Intelligence, in partnership with the Women’s Observatory against Violence.
When analyzing the type of domestic violence suffered by black women, 87% report psychological aggression, 78% physical, 33% property and 25% sexual. Among those who have experienced one of these episodes in the last 12 years, 18% suffered from false accusations, 17% felt frightened by episodes of shouting or breaking objects, 16% were insulted, 16% humiliated and 10% threatened.
The researchers interviewed 13,977 black Brazilian women aged 16 or over, between August 21st and September 25th, 2023, in all units of the Federation. Those who self-declared to have black or brown skin color were considered black. The confidence level in the results is indicated as 95%.
The survey considered the specific focus on black women, as this group is the most vulnerable to violence in the country. Data from the National Public Security System (Sinesp) show that, among women victims of sexual violence whose police reports included color/race registration, 62% were black or mixed race. And data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) indicate that among the 3,373 women murdered in 2022, whose race and color information was recorded, 67% were black (2,276).
Other data
The National Survey of Violence against Black Women also considered the type of support sought by victims. According to the survey, 60% of black and brown women who were attacked turned to their family, 45% sought shelter at church, 41% asked friends for help, 32% sought care at a regular police station and 23% went to the Women’s Police Station.
The numbers of those who turn to the police are striking. Although 55% of black women victims of violence seek this help, only 28% request protection. In 48% of cases where this request is made, the protective measure is breached by the aggressor.
Analyst Milene Tomoike, from the Women’s Observatory Against Violence, says that the numbers reveal a dynamic of silencing victims and a difficulty in breaking the cycle of violence.
“These data reinforce the importance of preventive initiatives and expanded protection. Although many victims seek support from their social networks, such as family and friends, it is essential to strengthen public policies and expand access to specialized services, guaranteeing reception, safety and real paths to reconstruction”, says Milene.
