Almost a year after the Candelaria massacre when eight street children were massacred, judge Maria Lucia Capiberibe decided on June 29 to have four accused tried by jury. The four who have been under custody since last August will probably be tried by jury in October. Having examined the evidence, judge Capiberibe decided that there was ample proof of their involvement in the massacre. Families who are below the poverty line for the most part have women as heads of the households. The report quotes an example from Sao Paulo.
Statistics also show that women earn less than men.
When couples separate and the woman takes on responsibility for the children, the standard of living drops significantly. Each day 500 cases of violence against women such as rape and beatings are registered in Brazil. Brazil was never so ill. A recent report from the Health Ministry shows an alarming return of illnesses which were thought to be under control in Brazil. Another alarming trend is the sharp rise in infant mortality.