With Carnival approaching, concerns about cases of harassment and violence against women are growing. A survey by the Locomotiva Institute showed that last year, half of women partygoers were victims of sexual harassment during the festivities, while 76% said they were afraid of experiencing this situation for the first time or again.
For Alexandra Lima, a social worker at the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD), these figures highlight the need to strengthen networks to combat and protect against violence and harassment. “Carnival is a time for celebration, but we also need to ensure that it takes place safely. We are all responsible for taking care of ourselves and others. If we notice a situation of harassment or violence, we should contact the professionals responsible for the security of the location or offer support to the person in a situation of violence, so that they feel that they are not alone,” she says.
The expert emphasizes that some measures can contribute to individual and collective protection during the festivities, such as seeking out places with a safe structure, prioritizing the company of family and friends, and avoiding vulnerable situations. In addition, she reinforces the importance of reporting cases of harassment, since holding aggressors accountable is essential to preventing violence.
Some groups also require extra attention, as adolescents and trans women are among the most vulnerable to harassment and gender-based violence. “In addition to physical safety, it is essential to combat discriminatory attitudes, such as offensive comments about clothing and costumes or song lyrics that reinforce sexist stereotypes,” says Alexandra.
Confronting harassment and violence against women must involve the entire society, including public security, health professionals, social services and the judiciary. “Every citizen must commit to acting against violence, regardless of how it manifests itself,” concludes the social worker.
National campaign reinforces the fight against violence against women during Carnival
To increase the safety of carnival-goers, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Women and other institutions, launched the national campaign “Zero Feminicide – No violence against women should be tolerated”. The initiative seeks to raise awareness among the population about the importance of respect and prevention during the carnival period.
The campaign highlights the need for joint action by different sectors to combat harassment and encourages reporting. One of the main focuses is the promotion of the Women's Support Center – Call 180, which also provides support via WhatsApp (61) 9610-0180, offering support and guidance to women in situations of violence.
In addition to the mobilization during Carnival, the “Zero Feminicide” campaign is part of a permanent strategy to combat gender-based violence. By 2025, the goal is to implement a joint agenda between ministries to strengthen public policies and ensure that the fight against violence is continuous and effective.
Photo: Luciola Villela/Riotur
About ISD
The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) is a Social Organization linked to the Ministry of Education (MEC) and includes the Edmond and Lily Safra International Neuroscience Institute and the Anita Garibaldi Center for Health Education and Research, both in Macaíba. ISD's mission is to promote education for life, forming citizens through integrated teaching, research and extension actions, in addition to contributing to a fairer and more humane transformation of Brazilian social reality.
