Woman in Brazil enslaved for 55 years by 3 generations of the same family
4 hours ago
- #Modern Slavery
- #Human Rights
- #Domestic Workers
- A 62-year-old woman, known as Maria, was rescued after spending 55 years in slave-like conditions as a live-in domestic servant for three generations of the same family in Fortaleza, Brazil.
- Maria entered the household at age seven, never received wages, vacations, or education, and lived in near-total isolation without contact with relatives; she will be compensated with a $30,000 apartment and $10,000 in compensation, but remains with the family temporarily.
- The case highlights systemic exploitation of domestic workers in Brazil, often poor and Black women, and underscores challenges in rescuing victims due to their dependency and lack of autonomy; it was revealed through an anonymous tip, reflecting growing public awareness.