Domestic violence is one of the biggest social problems in Brazil, with thousands of women suffering abuse from their partners every year. In many cases, like that of Raísa Martins dos Santos, this abuse ends tragically and brutally.
Before being murdered by her ex-husband, Raísa made a shocking revelation to a friend, where she recounted the humiliation and psychological control she was subjected to. She said that her ex treated her cruelly, saying that he “cut off my wedding ring, chopped it up with pliers and threw it in my face.”
These words are, in a way, a cry for help from a woman who, like so many others, lived in a relationship marked by emotional and physical abuse. Raísa, 29, had recently separated from Rafael dos Santos after a four-year marriage.
During the separation, she revealed in a conversation with a friend that her ex-husband constantly humiliated her, accusing her of not being submissive enough for him. Even with the evident suffering, Raísa showed herself determined to move on, stating: “I don’t need this.”
She had even managed to get a second job to pay off the debts accumulated after the separation. However, the outcome would be even more tragic than she imagined.
The disappearance of Raísa, which occurred on Monday, April 21st, raised concerns among her family, who knew of her disciplined routine and responsibility.