Latin Americans march to condemn domestic violence
BUENO AIRES: Mass marches to condemn horrific violence against women swept Latin America on Friday, after a series of brutal murders stoked outrage over a long-smouldering problem in the region.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets here, the latest in a series of massive protests organised by a burgeoning movement against domestic violence and a culture of machismo.
Marches were also held in Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela and Guatemala and Peru.
“If any of you are going through what I am, please go to a loved one, a neighbour, anyone,” said an online message from Chilean victim Nabila Riffo, 28, who lost both eyes when her ex-boyfriend attacked her in May.
“Please, don’t be intimidated or threatened by any man.”
The demonstrations were held on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The Argentine protesters called for further action, including a worldwide “women’s strike” on March 8, International Women’s Day.
Some 200 women have been killed by their partners or ex-partners in Argentina this year, fuelling widespread condemnation.
A poll published on Friday found 97 per cent of women in Argentina had been victims of harassment multiple times.
Latin America has been shocked by a recent string of gruesome murders of women and girls: a 10-yearold Chilean suffocated with a plastic bag; a 16-year-old Argentine raped and impaled on a spike; a 22-yearold Mexican strangled to death.
Activists condemned not only the killings, but also what they call a culture that values women less than men.
Here, protester Dora Machicado, 42, said equality for women would translate to less violence.