EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FEMINICIDE RATES IN THE STATE OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on femicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants in Minas Gerais between 2013 and 2021. Using data from municipalities in Minas Gerais, obtained from the Índice Mineiro de Responsabilidade Social (IMRS), provided by the Fundação João Pinheiro, the study employed a dynamic panel data econometric model. The results indicate that the pandemic period was positively associated with an increase in femicide rates, due to factors such as increased time spent between victims and aggressors, heightened domestic tension, and financial stress. Additionally, the analysis revealed that the proportion of young people in the population correlates with greater vulnerability of young women to femicide. On the other hand, transfers from the Bolsa Família program were inversely related to femicide rates, highlighting the effectiveness of this policy in reducing extreme violence against women. These findings underscore the importance of public policies aimed at mitigating domestic violence, especially in contexts of crises that limit social interaction.