Women in Peru protest against rising tide of murder and sexual crime

Women’s rights campaigners took to the streets of Peru on Saturday, August 13, 2016 to protest against sexual violence, in a move described by the country’s women’s minister as “a cry against impunity”. The recently elected President of the country Pablo Kuczynski, his wife and several government ministers and members of parliament marched in the protest march in the capital Lima. The motto of the action is “Who touches one touches all.”
On average, 10 women are murdered every month in Peru, said Romero, while ministry figures indicate a further 20 are victims of attempted femicide.
“If you add to those 10 who lose their lives the 20 victims who are saved by the skin of their teeth, then we are practically talking about one [attack] per day,” she said. “Of those 10 who are killed around six are under the age of 20.”
Ana María Romero, Peru’s minister for women, says the march is a cry for equality.
Romero said the new government, which took office on 28 July, would train police to be more aware of the problem, ensure better provision of psychological support, open more women’s shelters, and establish 245 emergency centres for women across the country.
“Our problem is not a lack of legislation, it is how we apply the law. Those in charge of justice need more sensitivity and a better understanding of the rights of the women,” she added.
Sexual violence is pervasive in Peru, taking many forms.
“It’s fundamental to eradicate the macho and homophobic culture in this country,” Romero said. “Heading towards the bicentenary of our independence we still objectify women or naturalise violent conduct against her.
“That belongs in a primitive era and has no place in the 21st century.”
According to a report by Guardian and Focus Online, August 14, 2016