Abuse, intimidation and rape. Women's experience of urban violence in Brazil

Index Number: AMR 19/004/2008
Date Published: 17 April 2008
Categories: Brazil

Women have long been the hidden victims of Brazil's crumbling justice system. Women in excluded communities experience violence and intimidation at the hands of the police. As increasing numbers of women are imprisoned, they may face chronic overcrowding and sexual abuse. In this leaflet Amnesty International urges the Brazilian authorities to investigate promptly human rights violations perpetrated by state officials; to implement projects to meet the specific needs of women; and to start a review of the situation of women and girls in the detention system.