Summer Postcard Action 2006
Guatemala – Sobrevivientes
In the past five and a half years, nearly 2,000 Guatemalan women and girls have been killed in a wave of violence that is extreme even for a country with one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America, and some of the most archaic laws governing women’s rights. The organization Sobrevivientes was formed in 2001 to accompany young women survivors of sexual violence who were seeking justice through the courts. Domestic violence, rape, and sexual harassment in the workplace are commonplace. Stereotypes about women’s subordinate roles are firmly entrenched, and victims are frequently ostracized for speaking out or blamed for provoking the violence. Since Guatemalan law requires victims, not the state, to initiate prosecutions for all sexual crimes, there is little access to justice.
Guatemala City newspaper features photos of murdered women. © AP
Sobrevivientes (“Survivors”) has
committed itself to work for “the prevention,
healing and eradication of violence against women, and
access to justice for victims of violence.” Starting
in 2001, the abductions and killings of women and girls
have grown increasingly brutal, many cases involving
rape, torture, mutilation and dismemberment. Violent
deaths are increasing generally in Guatemala, but killings
of women are rising disproportionately fast; as of April
2006, murders of women and girls were averaging slightly
more than one every single day. The vast majority of
these cases have not been investigated nor prosecuted
by the authorities. Members of Sobrevivientes
and other family members of victims continue to report
receiving threats, and harassment by the authorities,
as results of their efforts to obtain justice.
Please send messages of support to:
Sobrevivientes
3a Avenida A, 2-35
Zona 1
Ciudad de Guatemala
GUATEMALA