Brazilian women's lives shattered

In May 2006 the people São Paulo witnessed a massive display of organized violence, as the notorious criminal gang, the PCC, took to the streets. Across the state more than 400 people were killed in little over a week, many by masked men linked to police or criminal gangs. Few if any of these cases have ever been investigated.

These clips are about the hidden victims. About the women who are left to pick up pieces when their fathers, brothers and sons are gunned down.

Dona Maria, Debora, Nalva and Vera are just a handful of women amongst thousands who are forced to live, bring up their children, and fight for justice against a backdrop of criminal and police violence. Without profound reforms these women will be forced to continue picking up the pieces.