Ecuador Leads the Battle Against Domestic Violence in Latin America
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.
This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associate Amanda Knarr
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Apology to Subscribers of the Washington Report on the Hemisphere
Volume 31, No. 13 of the Washington Report on the Hemisphere regrettably has a mistake in its table of contents printed on the front page. Instead of “Remittances and Microbanking in Haiti” it should read “Spotlight on El Salvador.” We sincerely are humbled by this typo and would like to offer a corrected copy to any of our subscribers who ask that it be sent to them. Please contact us at (202) 223-4975 or via e-mail at coha@coha.org.
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