Demonstrators have been out in force in the Peruvian capital Lima, demanding an end to violence against women.
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Demonstrators have been out in force in the Peruvian capital Lima, demanding an end to violence against women.
President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski joined a march through the city.
The show of action comes amid claims that victims are being failed by the justice system – stoked by two separate court cases in which men who’d violently beaten women were let off without punishment.
Peru President
ppkamigo</a> attends '<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiUnaMenos?src=hash">#NiUnaMenos</a>' protest against femicide in Lima <a href="https://t.co/nu5WBrmqvV">https://t.co/nu5WBrmqvV</a> <a href="https://t.co/QJSiLOMtny">pic.twitter.com/QJSiLOMtny</a></p>— Agencia Andina (Agencia_Andina) 13 August 2016
“We are here marching for an idea, which is, ‘enough of the mistreatment of women, physically or psychologically,’ because as a mother, we want our kids to be free to go out freely,” said Carmela Garcia, of the demonstrators.
Another, Adelaida Avila, added: “The latest court sentences have not been favourable for the women of our country. It is time for women to stand up, men and women like those here. We are a united country, but why do we continue to have the third highest rate of violence against women?”
We're shutting down downtown Lima during rush hour to protest violence against women.#niunamenos pic.twitter.com/gU2UW6QwNt
— Nat(alie) (@natalie_tincar) 13 August 2016
Seven out of ten women are said to have suffered physical or psychological abuse in Peru, but only a third of victims come forward and get help.
More than 50 women have been killed by a partner or former partner in the country so far this year.