Feminicide and Prevention Strategies: The Role of Self-Defense, Awareness, and Female Empowerment in Contemporary Society

This article examines feminicide as one of the most extreme manifestations of gender-based violence, analyzing it as the final stage of a broader continuum of aggression rooted in structural inequality and social dynamics. The study explores how patterns of psychological, emotional, and physical violence evolve over time, often culminating in fatal outcomes. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and practical perspectives, the article emphasizes the importance of preventive strategies that extend beyond institutional responses. In particular, it highlights the role of situational awareness, behavioral analysis, and self-defense as complementary tools in reducing vulnerability and strengthening women’s autonomy. Based on the work of Vargas (2024), Autodefesa para Mulheres: Técnicas e Estratégias para se Proteger no Dia a Dia, the discussion reframes self-defense as a multidimensional system that integrates perception, emotional regulation, and decision-making, rather than merely physical techniques. The article argues that effective prevention of feminicide requires a multidimensional approach that combines structural interventions with individual empowerment. By integrating awareness, preparedness, and education, it is possible to enhance personal safety while contributing to broader efforts aimed at reducing gender-based violence and promoting more equitable societies.