Bogotá's Mayor Addresses Rising Feminicides Amid New National Legislation

In response to a surge in feminicides, Bogotá's mayor has taken decisive action, addressing the city's alarming trend of gender-based violence. This move comes in the wake of new national legislation aimed at tightening penalties for those convicted of feminicide.

The Colombian government recently enacted a law that eliminates all criminal benefits and subrogations for individuals convicted or accused of feminicide. Sanctioned by Minister of Justice Néstor Osuna and Vice President and Minister of Equality Francia Márquez, the legislation is a direct response to the increasing number of feminicides across the country.

Why this matters: The rising feminicide rates in Bogotá and Colombia have significant implications for women's safety and gender equality. If left unchecked, it could lead to a perpetuation of gender-based violence and undermine efforts to promote women's empowerment and human rights.

The new law removes benefits such as conditional release, house arrest, and reduced sentences for collaboration in feminicide cases. Convicted individuals are now required to serve their entire sentences in prison without the possibility of 72-hour releases or house arrest after serving most of their sentence.

Minister of Justice Néstor Osuna emphasized the significance of the new law, stating, "It is a law that withdraws benefits and criminal subrogations for cases of feminicides; although these benefits were already severely restricted, they are now restricted even more."

In Bogotá, the urgency of this issue was highlighted by two recent feminicides occurring within less than 24 hours. Stefanny Barranco, 32, was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner at the Santafé Shopping Center. In another incident, a 31-year-old woman, mother to a three-year-old child, was murdered by her ex-partner in the Suba neighborhood.

The Attorney General's Office reports that between January 1 and May 30, 90 feminicides were registered in Colombia. In 61 cases, the aggressors were likely partners or ex-partners of the victims. This year, at least four women have been murdered in feminicide crimes each week.

To support victims of sexist violence, the Attorney General's Office has established a free 24-hour telephone line, 155, offering information, psychosocial and legal guidance, and direct complaints to the National Police. Additionally, the Mayor's Office of Bogotá has enabled the Purple Line, providing 24-hour care by specialized women.

Minister Osuna acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is very unfortunate and critical that new cases of feminicide are being presented. We are aware of the problem and we are thinking about creating a specialty within the administration of justice to deal with cases of gender violence."

The government's efforts to combat feminicide include considering the establishment of a specialized division within the justice system to handle gender violence cases. A constitutional reform is currently in progress, presented by a women's caucus in the Congress of the Republic.

As Bogotá's mayor and national leaders address the rising feminicide rates, the implementation of stricter laws and support services aims to provide justice and protection for victims of gender-based violence.

Key Takeaways

• Bogotá's mayor takes action against feminicides amid rising trend.
• New Colombian law eliminates benefits for feminicide convicts.
• 90 feminicides reported in Colombia from Jan 1 to May 30.
• Free 24-hour hotline (155) and Purple Line support victims.
• Gov't considers specialized division for gender violence cases.