Reliefweb, 23 November 2009
Latin America and the Caribbean is a dangerous place for women. More
than 50 percent of the women on the continent have been victims of some
form of violence. In commemoration of the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women, UN-INSTRAW is launching a media
kit on violence against women and human security in the region as well
as a new study about gender and security sector reform in the Dominican
Republic.
Gender-based violence is a threat to human security in the region and globally. Such violence includes domestic violence, rape and other types of sexual violence, but also includes other forms of violence that are perpetrated based on gender. Impunity for these types of violence is a major factor for its proliferation.
Latin America is the region in the world with the greatest income disparities. This has a direct impact on the level of violence in the region since it can lead to social exclusion, population displacement, conflicts, violence, poor governance, and other threats to human security. Women and children are especially vulnerable to such threats.
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