Lima protesters demand end to violence against women

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 &#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiUnaMenos?src=hash">#NiUnaMenos</a>&#39; 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>&mdash; 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.#niunamenospic.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.