Gender Violence Prevention Strategies in Peru

Silent screams echo worldwide as violence against women persists, challenging nations to confront this shadow pandemic. Peru, located in a region notorious for high rates of violence against women, is particularly familiar with these challenges. According to Freedom House, spousal abuse stands as one of the most pressing issues facing women in Peru today, despite recent governmental efforts to tackle the problem. One significant factor exacerbating the risk of sexual violence in Latin America is the widespread neglect by governments and professionals to adequately address the violence occurring within their jurisdictions.

This essay examines Peru's legislative and social initiatives to combat violence against women, while also exploring broader regional and global efforts to eradicate this pervasive issue.

Peru's Legislative Efforts

In an attempt to address domestic violence, Peru adopted a law in 1993, which was subsequently amended in 2003 to eliminate reconciliation between aggressors and victims, as it proved ineffective in resolving conflicts. The amendment also mandated that police reports be filed within five days of an incident. While this legislative framework represents progress, challenges remain. For instance, although medical examinations for victims are supposed to be free, some medical professionals refuse to conduct them due to a reluctance to become involved in legal proceedings. This reflects a broader issue of discrimination against women, which complicates efforts to combat violence. To address these challenges, Peru has implemented emergency shelters (Centro de Emergencia Mujer, or CEMs) as part of the National Program Against Family Violence. These shelters are staffed by medical examiners, social workers, lawyers, and coordinators who provide comprehensive support to victims, resulting in a notable increase in reported cases.

Broader Context and Global Initiatives

The issue of violence against women is not confined to Peru. In the United States, surveys reveal that 28% of heterosexual women have experienced intimate partner violence, compared to 10% of heterosexual men. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women who endured sexual abuse in childhood are twice as likely to report experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner. These statistics highlight the global scale of the problem. Internationally, women and girls account for 20% of homicide victims, but they disproportionately represent 64% of intimate partner and family-related homicides, and 82% of intimate partner homicides alone. In 2017, Brazil reported 1,133 femicides, underscoring the region's prevalence of gender-based violence.

International organizations have recognized the urgency of addressing violence against women. For instance, the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that 87,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2017, with 58% of these murders perpetrated by intimate partners or family members. In response, UN Women partnered with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to develop a global education program aimed at preventing violence by empowering young girls with knowledge about domestic violence. The UN General Assembly also adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979, which includes General Recommendation 35. This recommendation emphasizes that gender-based violence, including violations of sexual and reproductive health rights, can amount to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Peru's Proposed Solutions

Recognizing that seven out of ten women in Peru will experience sexual or domestic abuse in their lifetime, the Peruvian government has prioritized eradicating this issue. In addition to the implementation of CEMs, Peru seeks to strengthen legislative reforms. One proposal involves utilizing the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence Against Women. This convention encourages Latin American countries to collaboratively address femicide, emphasizing the importance of effective punishment over impunity. As a result, countries like Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, and El Salvador have incorporated femicide into their legal frameworks, increasing the specificity of homicide cases against women by 33.7%.

Furthermore, Peru aims to build on its existing legal framework by ensuring that new laws are rigorously enforced and that perpetrators are held accountable. This involves not only legislative changes but also a cultural shift to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms that perpetuate violence against women. Education and awareness campaigns are essential in fostering this cultural transformation, empowering women and communities to resist and report abuse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Peru has made significant strides in addressing violence against women through legislative reforms and the establishment of emergency shelters, challenges persist. The issue of gender-based violence is a global pandemic that requires concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and civil society. By learning from successful initiatives in other countries and focusing on education, prevention, and accountability, Peru can continue to make progress in eradicating violence against women within its borders. The fight against gender-based violence is not just a legal or social obligation but a moral imperative, demanding collective action to ensure safety and equality for all women and girls.

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