On the 24th, a young Brazilian woman named Maressa Crísley Nunes dos Santos was brutally assaulted and attempted to be raped in Santiago. The attack took place when a robber pretending to be a delivery man broke into the apartment where Maressa and her friend were staying.
The criminal called other men to the scene, and the attacks intensified after Maressa managed to grab the gun from one of the assailants. Maressa suffered severe injuries, including several facial fractures, and is currently hospitalized in serious condition in a Chilean hospital.
Her family has started a fundraising campaign on the Vakinha website to cover the expenses of her return to Brazil, future surgeries, and medications needed for her recovery. They have raised around R$31,000 so far, with a goal of reaching R$60,000.
The Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves, and the Itamaraty are closely monitoring the case, and the Brazilian Consulate General in Santiago is in contact with Maressa and her family. The minister expressed solidarity with Maressa and her friend, condemning all acts of violence against women on behalf of the Brazilian government.
The incident highlights the importance of continuing to fight against gender-based violence. Chile’s recent enactment of its Comprehensive Law to Combat Violence Against Women aims to provide better protection and support for victims of gender violence. This law aims to prevent incidents like what happened to Maressa from occurring again by ensuring that they are properly addressed when they do occur.
As we continue our fight against gender-based violence, it’s important to remember that there is still much work to be done. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect women from harm and ensure that justice is served for those who have been victimized by such heinous crimes.
