Violence against women: Argentina implements measures adapted to containment

In ten days, calls to 144, the emergency number for victims of violence against women, increased by 60% in the province of Buenos Aires. RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

Faced with the coronavirus epidemic, Argentines have been confined since March 20, and this until April 13, at least. And like everywhere in the world, confinement can be explosive for victims of domestic violence. In the first three months of the year, 86 women were killed in Argentina. So, to help the victims of violence, the authorities have taken new measures.

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With our correspondent in Buenos Aires, Aude Villiers-Moriamé

It is difficult for a victim of domestic violence to alert the authorities when she is confined 24 hours a day with her attacker. In ten days, calls to 144, the emergency number for victims of macho violence, still increased by 60% in the province of Buenos Aires.

For those who could not make a call, the authorities have thought of other solutions: new contact numbers have been created on the WhatsApp messaging service, which allows more discreet alerting of emergency services.

► Read also: Coronavirus: domestic violence on the rise in countries under confinement

Request a "red mask"

Since Wednesday April 1, women can also request a "red mask" in pharmacies, either in person or by phone. It is a code: the pharmacy staff must answer that they no longer have any in stock and take the person's contact details to keep them informed. In truth, these coordinates are then transmitted to the authorities.

According to the Ahora Gender Violence Observatory, if our Fri (“Now that you see us”), at least six women and little girls have been killed since the start of confinement on March 20.

On Monday, Argentines and Argentines were called to demonstrate against violence against women, from their homes, by going out on their balconies and making noise, for example by tapping on pots and pans.

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  • Argentina
  • Women
  • Coronavirus

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