A horrifying case of domestic violence shook Brazil last Sunday (March 30), when a man violently assaulted his wife, going as far as to forcibly remove one of her silicone implants with a kitchen knife.
The brutality of the attack reignited discussions about escalating domestic abuse, with at least one in three women and one in four men experiencing some form of it at one point in their lives, as per US statistics.
In an effort to understand the underlying causes of domestic violence, Bored Panda reviewed the case alongside Amber N. Marentette, a DV Coordinator and Victim Advocate from Gulfport Mississippi, who explained that crimes of this severity don’t arise in isolation.
“Domestic violence arises from a complex interplay of interrelated factors, often oversimplified in discussions as merely a struggle for power and control,” she said.
A man in Brazil attacked his wife and forcefully removed her breast implant in horrifying domestic violence case
According to the Military Police of the Federal District (PMDF), the victim, who had recently undergone breast augmentation surgery, was repeatedly punched in the head and back by her husband before he took a knife and removed her left breast implant.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers found the silicone piece outside the residence, as the man had thrown it out the window earlier. PMDF officials immediately rescued the victim, who was transported to Brasilia’s Base Hospital for emergency care.
The perpetrator was subsequently arrested and charged under the Maria da Penha law. Established in 2006, the law aims to reduce domestic violence by increasing the punishment for offenders.
Due to the nature of the crime, further details, such as the identity of those involved and the location of the incident, remain confidential to protect the victim.
While the perpetrator faces up to three years in jail, the victim will endure trauma that may take a lifetime to heal
According to Brazilian law, the perpetrator faces up to three years in jail, a timeframe that pales in comparison to the years of psychological trauma the victim is likely to experience.
“When violence escalates to this level, the victim’s psychological well-being has already suffered significant harm,” Marentette explained.
“Feelings of deep shame, guilt, and isolation frequently accompany such experiences, increasing the risk of major depression and other mental health concerns.”
Image credits: Nomad_Soul/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
In the Advocate’s experience, the path to healing is often long and arduous for survivors, requiring both professional intervention and community support.
“Victims can embark on their healing journey by reaching out to a local women’s shelter or domestic violence agency,” she added. “These organizations provide essential resources and support services that facilitate safe and healthy recovery.”
Domestic violence is the result of both individual pathologies and broader societal failings
But is domestic abuse the result of individual pathologies, or is it a cultural problem reinforced by societal norms?
For Marentette, the answer is both. Domestic violence has psychological roots, but it’s also deeply entrenched in cultural norms and systemic shortcomings, such as the ones the Maria da Penha law sought to solve.
According to the Advocate, legal loopholes, lenient punishments, and a lack of accountability for perpetrators helps reinforce abusive behaviors.
“When perpetrators face minimal consequences for their actions—such as walking away from charges due to victim non-participation, or being released without bond after violating protection orders—it sends a message that such behavior is tolerated,” she explained.
The consequences of this lack of accountability, Marentette explains, has a dual impact, as perpetrators feel emboldened and victims are discouraged from seeking help.
Individuals who grow up in violent environments can internalize aggression as an acceptable conflict resolution method
The cultural environment surrounding a domestic violence incident also plays a significant role in perpetuating the crime.
“Exposure to violence in childhood can shape an individual’s behavior and perceptions of relationships,” Marentette explained.
According to data by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Brazil continues to face significant challenges with violent crime, homicides, femicides, and shootings. As of 2024, at least 38,722 people died due to urban violence.
“Those who grow up in violent environments can internalize aggression as an acceptable means of conflict resolution, leading to a cycle of abuse that is challenging to break,” the Advocate continued.
As a result, treating the victim alone doesn’t solve the issue completely. Treating the culprit is also necessary.
According to experts, domestic abuse is a cycle which requires a multifaceted approach to break
“Breaking this cycle requires addressing all underlying trauma with the help of a qualified professional. Engaging in therapeutic interventions can provide survivors and perpetrators alike with the tools needed to heal and foster healthier relationships,” Marentette explained.
Despite the progress being made in Brazil by implementing the Maria da Penha law, the shocking brutality of the case served as a stark reminder of the long road still ahead in eradicating gender-based violence.
Image credits: thodonal/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
While the attacker has been apprehended, the broader issue remains: until systemic changes are implemented, cases such as this are likely to continue.
Marentette is clear in her analysis. Survivors must be supported, perpetrators must face real consequences, and society as a whole must recognize that domestic violence is not just an individual pathology, but a widespread cultural and legal failure.
“By recognizing and addressing these systemic issues, society can work towards breaking the cycle of violence.”
“Unbelievable.” Netizens took to social media to express their shock and disgust at the incident
