'Justice for Damaris' and the worrying increase in cases of sexual abuse against children in Peru

Our country is going through a hard time because of the case of little Damaris after being kidnapped and sexually abused by a guy in the city of Chiclayo. Given this, this case exposes the great problem that exists in our country about sexual abuse against infants.

According to the Aurora Program of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, from January to October 2021, the Women's Emergency Centers (CEM) dealt with more than 12,828 cases of sexual violence in children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 years, involving harassment, touching, among other manifestations.

In addition, 5,728 cases of rape of children between 0 and 17 years of age were recorded. This corresponds to 67.5% of the total, which shows the situation of lack of protection and vulnerability in which this sector of the population finds itself.

Of the total number of cases dealt with by the CEM -from January to December 2021-, 86% were women, while 14% were men, the most common modality being psychological (46.3%), followed by physical (39.6%), sexual (13.7%) and economic and/or property violence (0.4%). The SAU also treated 6,190 victims, of whom 4,880 were women and 1,310 were men. Of this total, the most repetitive modality was physical violence (46.5%), followed by sexual violence (27%), psychological (25.8%) and economic and/or property violence (0.7%).

“The areas of Bagua Grande, Bagua and Condorcanqui have a high incidence of cases of violence against children and adolescents. This year we had a case of sexual violence by a prosecutor, where the committed team, despite threats and complaints, continued until the aggressor was removed from office. For the Aurora National Program, it doesn't matter if the aggressor is a public servant or authority,” said CEM Bagua Commissioner Coordinator Diana Melgarejo Sánchez at the end of January of this year.

Finally, MIMP, through the Aurora National Program, urges citizens to continue to join the campaign “Make a difference, stop violence” and to report if they know of a case or are victims of violence, by calling the 100 Line or going to a CEM.

REPORT OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS AND GIRLS FROM JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 2022

According to the report of the National Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Violence against Women and Members of the Family Group -Aurora, between January and February 2022, it details the following:

In January, 484 cases of rape were dealt with between 0 and 17 years of age. In February, a total of 596 cases were registered between 0 and 17 years, the difference makes a total of 112 cases between month and month so far in 2022.

WHERE TO GO IN CASE OF SEXUAL ABUSE?

The mother, father or caregiver should call Line 100 of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) for immediate support.

They must report the assault at the nearest police station and ask for legal and psychological support for their children in a Women's Emergency Center (CEM).

The complaint against sexual offenders serves to investigate, prosecute and punish those guilty of this crime. This would prevent other victims.

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