Ecuador Leads the Battle against Domestic Violence in Latin America

[Judi Lynn]

Ecuador Leads the Battle against Domestic Violence in Latin America
Amanda Knarr
August 1, 2011

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Domestic Violence Overview

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women worldwide –accounting for more injuries than car accidents, muggings, cancer, and rape combined. This issue spurs from the second-class status placed upon women in most parts of the world, making them more susceptible to various kinds of victimization. Spousal abuse can potentially kill an individual, devastate a family, and cripple a community. Internationally, domestic violence generates effects jeopardizing countries’ overall development. The destruction caused by this violence now ripples into international unemployment and homelessness rates. A survey of Fortune 100 executives revealed a significant number of respondents affirmed domestic violence as a significant handicap to company productivity (49 percent), attendance (47 percent) and medical expenditures (44 percent).

For centuries, a stigma has blinded the public from viewing this private matter in full, and without a public profile any solution is inconsiderable. Fortunately, the present-day emphasis on human rights and public security measures has thrown light on this grave issue. In 1979, the United Nations (U.N.) acknowledged the matter publically by adopting the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).Working as a catalyst for policymakers and advocates, CEDAW is described by advocates as a practical blueprint for women’s progress. Countries that adopt CEDAW convention are expected to increase the safety and opportunity available to women. Presently, 185 out of 192 countries, including Ecuador, have ratified the legislation.

Furthermore, a branch of the United Nations-UN Women (formerly UNIFEM) was formed in 2010 with the objective of preventing violence against women. The first-selected Executive Director of UN Women, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, stated in a speech in November 2010 that “more than 130 countries have laws against domestic violence, but more needs to be done to enforce them and counter impunity.” Bachelet’s experience as one of the first females elected to presidential office in Latin America prompted her to confront the region’s vast shortcomings regarding gender rights and domestic violence.

Addressing the Issue in Latin America

Although the U.N. has proclaimed domestic violence a “universal problem that must be universally condemned,” it is often ignored in Latin American countries. Ecuador has led the quest to end domestic violence as a leading country in the region to pass effective legislation, as well as establish public awareness programs and female-run police stations. Exemplifying strategies to diminish gender inequalities, this carefully devised and successfully executed plan, combined with a decreasing wage gap, suggest that Ecuador is becoming a role model for other Latin American countries.

More:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1108/S00052/latin-americaecuador-leads-battle-against-domestic-violence.htm