A powerful visual representation of solidarity and the fight against femicide, featuring a diverse group of women united against the darkness of gender-based violence

Femicide in the Americas: Understanding, Addressing, and Preventing Violence Against Women

Jordan Keane in Law & Justice August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking the Complexities of Gender-Based Violence and the Fight for Justice"

Femicide, the intentional killing of women because they are women, is a stark and devastating reality across the globe. In the Americas, this form of gender-based violence is a particularly urgent concern, fueled by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors. Understanding the nuances of femicide, from its causes to its consequences, is the first step towards effective prevention and intervention.

This article aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of femicide in the Americas. It explores the different forms femicide takes, examines the underlying drivers of this violence, and highlights the efforts of activists, researchers, and policymakers to address this critical issue. By analyzing the specific contexts and challenges, this article seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of femicide and its prevention.

The issue of femicide extends beyond individual acts of violence, encompassing broader societal issues such as inequality, discrimination, and impunity. Therefore, tackling femicide necessitates a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence, strengthens legal frameworks, and promotes a culture of respect and equality. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these aspects and seeks to inspire action.

What is Femicide? Defining a Global Tragedy

A powerful visual representation of solidarity and the fight against femicide, featuring a diverse group of women united against the darkness of gender-based violence

Femicide, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the intentional killing of a female because she is a female. This definition distinguishes femicide from other forms of homicide by highlighting the gender-based motive behind the crime. It underscores the fact that these killings are not isolated incidents but rather the culmination of systemic discrimination and violence against women.

Femicide encompasses a wide range of acts, from domestic violence and intimate partner killings to murders related to organized crime and human trafficking. It can occur in both public and private spheres, often reflecting the intersection of various forms of oppression, including sexism, racism, and classism. The term also highlights the role of the state in either failing to protect women from violence or actively contributing to it through impunity and inadequate legal responses.

Domestic Violence: Killings by current or former intimate partners.
Sexual Violence: Murders linked to sexual assault and exploitation.
Honor Killings: Murders committed to restore a family's honor.
Human Trafficking: Killings related to forced labor or sexual exploitation.
Organized Crime: Murders linked to drug trafficking or gang violence.

The impact of femicide extends far beyond the immediate loss of life. It has devastating consequences for families, communities, and society as a whole. Femicide also perpetuates a climate of fear and intimidation, discouraging women from reporting violence or seeking help. In this section, we will explore the key aspects of the crisis, providing definitions, examples, and data to help you understand the full extent of this global issue.

A Call to Action

Addressing and preventing femicide requires a global commitment to eradicating gender-based violence. It demands the implementation of comprehensive strategies that address the root causes, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure justice for victims. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes, we can work together to create a world where all women and girls are safe from violence. The fight against femicide is a fight for human rights, equality, and justice for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5944/comunitania.10.2, Alternate LINK

Title: Femicidio Y Feminicidio: Un Análisis De Las Aportaciones En Clave Iberoamericana

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Comunitania. Revista Internacional de Trabajo Social y Ciencias Sociales

Publisher: UNED - Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia

Authors: Santiago Boira, Chaime Marcuello-Servós, Laura Otero, Belén Sanz Barbero, Carmen Vives-Cases

Published: 2015-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is femicide, and what distinguishes it from other forms of homicide?

Femicide, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the intentional killing of a female specifically because she is a female. What distinguishes femicide from other homicides is the explicit gender-based motive behind the crime, highlighting that these killings are not isolated incidents but rather the result of systemic discrimination and violence against women. This definition emphasizes that the act is rooted in the gender of the victim.

What are some different manifestations or forms that femicide can take?

Femicide encompasses a wide range of acts, reflecting various forms of oppression. These include killings stemming from domestic violence (perpetrated by current or former intimate partners), sexual violence (murders linked to sexual assault and exploitation), honor killings (murders committed to restore a family's honor), human trafficking (killings related to forced labor or sexual exploitation), and organized crime (murders linked to drug trafficking or gang violence). These manifestations can occur in both public and private spheres, illustrating the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, what are the broader consequences of femicide on families, communities, and society?

The impact of femicide extends far beyond the immediate loss of life, causing devastating consequences for families, communities, and society. Femicide perpetuates a climate of fear and intimidation, discouraging women from reporting violence or seeking help. This can lead to a breakdown in social trust and cohesion. The broader implications include hindering gender equality, reinforcing discriminatory norms, and undermining efforts to create safe and inclusive societies. Furthermore, the trauma experienced by families and communities can have long-lasting psychological and economic effects, impacting future generations.

What is required to address and prevent femicide effectively, and how does this relate to broader societal issues?

Addressing and preventing femicide requires a global commitment to eradicating gender-based violence. This demands the implementation of comprehensive strategies that tackle the root causes, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure justice for victims. These strategies must address broader societal issues such as inequality, discrimination, and impunity, which contribute to the environment in which femicide occurs. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes, it is possible to create a world where all women and girls are safe from violence. The fight against femicide is fundamentally a fight for human rights, equality, and justice for all, requiring a multi-pronged approach.

How does the article connect femicide to the roles and responsibilities of the state?

Femicide highlights the role of the state in either failing to protect women from violence or actively contributing to it through impunity and inadequate legal responses. The state's responsibility includes enacting and enforcing laws that protect women, providing resources for survivors of violence, and addressing systemic issues that perpetuate gender inequality. When the state fails in these duties, it can exacerbate the problem of femicide. This can lead to a lack of accountability for perpetrators and a sense of impunity that further endangers women. Therefore, the state's role is crucial in both preventing femicide and ensuring justice for victims.