Electricity distributors across Brazil have begun including the number 180, a helpline for women in situations of violence, on their electricity bills.
This initiative is part of the National Pact for the Prevention of Femicide, a coordinated effort with the federal government, aiming to expand the reach of information on how to seek help in cases of gender-based violence.
The message printed on the bills is clear: ‘Violence against women is a crime. Do not remain silent. Report it. Call 180.’
With the participation of all distributors in the country, it is estimated that the information will reach over 212 million people, covering households in all regions. The strategy aims to particularly reach women in isolated contexts, where access to reporting channels may be limited.
Patrícia Audi, president of the Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors, emphasized the impact of the measure.
According to her, delivering this information consistently and directly through electricity bills increases the chances of breaking the cycle of violence, providing an accessible path for those in need of support.
Data on gender-based violence in the country reveal the severity of the situation. In 2025, there were 1,568 recorded victims of femicide, a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Brazilian Public Security Forum.
The entity’s annual report highlighted more than 257,000 cases of intentional bodily harm in the context of domestic violence in 2024, along with 51,000 reports of psychological violence — numbers that underscore the urgency of coordinated actions.
The 180 hotline, managed by the Ministry of Women, handled over 1 million calls throughout 2025, with an average of about 3,000 daily contacts and 155,000 formal complaints.
In January 2026 alone, there were 90,700 calls and 15,500 complaints. The service is free, confidential, and operates 24 hours a day, offering guidance on rights, clarification on legislation, and referrals to protection networks and competent authorities.
The measure, which some distributors began implementing in March 2026, represents a new front for outreach to women who face barriers to reporting or are unaware of available resources.
According to Folha de S.Paulo, the adherence of electricity companies to the campaign strengthens efforts to tackle gender-based violence. The Ministry of Women remains the main coordinator of the 180 hotline and public policies aimed at female protection.
The expectation is that the presence of the number 180 on bills — a document that reaches millions of homes — will serve as a constant reminder of the support available to those facing violence.
The initiative adds to other actions by the federal government and civil society in an attempt to reduce femicide and domestic violence rates in the country.
Original published at O Cafezinho.