Gender-Based Violence in Argentina

Gender-based violence is a serious problem in Argentina, one that has become increasingly evident due to some high-profile cases in the last decade. To this effect, one of your first assignments entailed reading some articles on this issue. I chose a recent article by a prominent writer/activist: María Ayuso (2021): Ni Una Menos: ¿qué hacer si conocés a una persona que sufre violencia de género? La Nación, 3 de junio.

This article covers the myriad ways in which a bystander can help a person who is the object of domestic violence. Most of the recommendations are equally applicable in the United States. For example, I was surprised to see that 9-1-1 is also used as the number for emergencies. Other recommendations are more easily applied in the US than in Argentina (or the rest of the Latin America) due to ineffective and/or underfunded institutions.

One of the most important steps in dealing with a case of domestic violence is identifying that it is happening. Very often, victims of domestic violence do not recognize it themselves or refuse to accept it publicly for fear of reprisals or due to embarrassment and shame. However, there are certain clues such as becoming withdrawn cutting ties with friends and family, unexplained physical bruises, and lying. As the article states, it is important to listen and not be judgmental. The latter is very important but is often difficult to do since it is easy to be critical of someone who seems to keep going back to their abuser. Sometimes it is hard for people to understand why someone who is obviously suffering at the hands of an abuser would keep going back to them. Ayuso points out that “understanding fatigue” can often set in and, thus,

Es clave no dejarse vencer por la impotencia. “Muchas veces las amistades o familias se aburren de esa situación de que las chicas o las mujeres se pelean, vuelven, se pelean, vuelven, con sus parejas. Sienten que es una tomada de pelo y no es así, a ellas le cuesta muchísimo” describe Morera

Ayuso, 2021

This is difficult, especially for police and other front-line workers.  Having a brother who is in law enforcement, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be for them to not be able to prosecute because the victims often refuse to press charges.   From the perspective of the victim, though, pressing charges can lead to even more violence or threats against their children and other family members.  Even in the US, where institutions tend to be more effective in enforcing no-contact rules and restraining orders, many cases fall through the cracks leading to horrendous outcomes.  There are more resources to do so, and the legal framework is more developed (although this varies by state).  In Latin America, however, there are less resources, both legal and financial, which makes enforcement of rulings and orders much less likely.

One of the most significant points in the article is the issue of defining domestic violence as a “public” rather than a “private” issue.  In many parts of the world, domestic violence is still treated as a private problem, which shields and enables the abusers.  This was the case in the US and, still is in some areas of the US.  However, laws such as the Violence against Women Act and other pieces of legislation have increasingly placed the issue on the public agenda, making the government more accountable in addressing domestic violence.  Once something is placed on the public agenda, it requires that the government spend resources, time, and effort to address it.  Unfortunately, in most of Latin America, domestic violence is still treated as a private issue.  As Raquel Asensio observes, “Es clave entender que ni los gritos, ni los llantos, ni los golpes pertenecen al plano de la intimidad. Una primera barrera que hay que atravesar es esta: ‘No es problema mío, ellos se llevan así.’” Thus, even when law enforcement gets involved, there is still reluctance to take action against the perpetrators of the violence since most of the officers are male.

The last few years have seen increase demands and mobilizations pressing for more government involvement in the issue of domestic violence.  This has led to some changes such as the establishment of special all-women law enforcement units to deal with issues of rape and domestic violence.  There have also been special hotlines to provide advice and resources to the victims of domestic violence.  In addition, public service announcements have made the issue more salient and redefined the problem as a public problem where the community should get involved.  Until the law and other supporting institutions become more effective, though, it is up to us to provide comfort and aid in supporting those who are enduring domestic violence.  The first step is to recognize it and the second is to offer help in any way that the victim needs it, even when it might seem inadequate or insufficient or when the victim returns to the abusive situation.  Being there for the victim is crucial.  As Ayuso points out,

“siempre, pero sobre todo en tiempos de aislamiento obligatorio, es fundamental que haya un acompañamiento virtual, a través del WhatsApp o de las redes sociales; y que se determinen ciertas estrategias como una clave sencilla para actuar ante un hecho sin poner en aviso al agresor, lo que puede incrementar el riesgo de violencia. Por ejemplo, si una mujer le manda un mensaje a una vecina o amiga pidiéndole que le comparta una receta, un emoji o solamente su geolocalización, esa “clave” indicaría que necesita ayuda y la persona que lo recibe debe actuar inmediatamente.”

Ayuso, 2021

All of these recommendations are equally applicable in the US. The most important thing is to always believe the victim and to provide a listening ear and non-judgmental support.