A campaign which aims to draw attention to the plight of women in abusive relationships will take to the streets of Colombia’s major cities behind the slogan “no more violence against women.”
Today events that seek to draw attention to the plight of women who suffer physical and psychological abuse, or rape and murder at the hands of their partners will take place in Bogota, Cartagena, Pereira, and Paso. The campaign seeks to confront common misconceptions about abuse and cliched phrases which attempt to excuse the maltreatment of women will be highlighted.
Phrases such as “a man has the right to punish a woman”, “it’s my fault, I provoke him”, “he loves her so much that he gets crazy” and “I am here for my children, and I know he can change” are highlighted as part of the campaign which seeks to expose the types of flippancy and cynicism which permit domestic abuse to continue.
A 2000 study published by Profamilia, a Colombian sexual health organization, noted that 41% of all women surveyed had suffered some form of physical abuse at the hands of their partner. Eleven percent of women reported sexual abuse and 26% reported some form of emotional abuse.
The event is set to take place in Pasto and Pereira’s commercial centers at 5PM and inside Cartagena’s city walls at 5PM. In Bogota the campaign will begin at 7PM in Zona G, 7.30PM at the Andean Center, and at 11.30PM at Cuadra Picha.
