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Ecuador

Population size: 

17,373,662 [1]

Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:

The extent of domestic violence is difficult to estimate, due to differing definitions of abuse and due to problems with self-reporting in studies. In a 2008 survey, 32.4% of the women interviewed aged 15-49 said they had suffered physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner [2]

38.2% of the women interviewed justified wife beating in certain circumstances. The most common reason for justification was when the wife "is or is suspected of being unfaithful" with 29.9% of women justifying wife beating in this situation.[3]

No research on male victims or other gender identities.

Cost of domestic abuse to the economy each year:

No research.

Estimated % change due to COVID-19:

No research.


Current law and policy:


Ecuador commits to expanding and strengthening legislation to address and respond to domestic violence. In 2018, Ecuador introduced a law providing reparations to victims of gender-based violence whilst adomestic violenceocating for the re-education of aggressors entitled the Comprehensive Law to Prevent and Eradicate Violence against Women. However, the court system is insufficiently staffed to deal with the prevalence of domestic violence cases and reporting continues to be a traumatic process for victims. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women sent a delegate to Ecuador between November 29th-December 9th 2019 to evaluate national laws, policies and integrated services regarding gender-based violence towards women and girls. The subsequent report is to be presented in June 2020.

According to the IWRAW report, the Ecuadorian government does not provide any services to assist women who are victims of domestic violence (IWRAW Dec. 1993, 36). However, the women's status directorate which is under the Department of Welfare (Dirección Nacional de la Mujer - DINAMU) does have a legal section that provides some legal assistance through other organisations (García 20 July 1994, 6). [4]


Frontline Services:

 

Sources


[1] The World Bank, (1).

[3] ibid.



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