What does the lilac ribbon mean in the case of the girl Damaris?

Peru has been shocked by the case of the 'Chiclayo Monster', a subject that kidnapping and sexually abusing a minor. This crime was confessed by him to the authorities after he was arrested following the search actions carried out by the girl's relatives. This fact has caused a series of reactions among the population, who have taken to the streets to demand justice and that what happened does not go unpunished. A first act took place in the home of Juan Antonio Enríquez García, 48, when they approached the building to burn the place where the abuser resided. The demand for life imprisonment and the death penalty has boomed throughout the country. I even, a group of congressmen demonstrated to show total rejection and repudiation.

Citizens have organized themselves to hold a series of marches in the main cities of the national territory. The vigils have started in the north where little Damaris lives. The presence of mothers and activists was immersed in a single request, justice. They appeared with posters, photos of the minor, wearing scarves and lilac ribbons. What does this color mean and why has it become a symbol of struggle?

WHAT DOES THE LILAC RIBBON MEAN?

This is one of the expressions that originated in the mobilizations for March 8, the date on which Women's Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence are commemorated against women.

The color purple or lilac is associated with the essence of feminism and what it represents. With the 20th century as its antecedent, it is linked with the suffragettes, a group of women who staged a series of demonstrations to ensure that their right to vote is respected and not violated. They used these colors that are currently associated with justice and dignity, taking as reference the concepts of organized movements.

One of the best-known references in history is the case of women who were burned to death in the Cotton New York textile factory at the beginning of the 20th century. 129 seamstresses, who had gone on strike, were caught by the fire caused by an uncontrollable fire. According to the stories, the smoke that came out of the burning factory was lilac because of the fabrics they worked with.

In social networks, an important movement has started in which users share messages that bear this purple ribbon. It has even been requested that it be used daily as a representation in support of the demand for justice in cases of violence against women that have increased over the years.

THE CASE OF DAMARIS IN CHICLAYO

According to official information, on April 12, the family of the girl Damaris began a search after the child disappeared without leaving traces. It didn't take more than a day for the National Police authorities in Chiclayo to find her, immediately arresting Juan Antonio Enríquez García, who has been charged with the crimes of rape and abduction in tort of a child under the age of 3.

When the law enforcement officers entered the house where the girl was, a terrifying scenario was witnessed, as her body was alive on cardboard and tied at her feet, thus preventing her from standing up. The little girl gave no word and was immediately taken to the police headquarters.

The latest reports have announced that the victim had to be operated on by doctors because of the injuries caused by the abuse to which he was subjected. Through its official social networks, the government presented its position on the despicable case: “We condemn and repudiate the sexual assault suffered by a minor in Chiclayo. This regrettable fact must not go unpunished. Our solidarity and all support for the girl child and her family. We ask the judiciary to give the greater weight of the law to the guilty party,” they said.