The evidence presented by a prosecutor from the Life Unit in Cartagena allowed a judge to sentence a man responsible for the crime of attempted aggravated femicide to 20 years and 8 months in prison.
The events investigated occurred on August 20, 2019 in the San Pedro Mártir neighborhood, capital of Bolívar, where the convicted person, 34 years old, With a sharp weapon he wounded his partner in the neck and back.
The attack occurred because the victim, 29 years old, told the convicted man that the emotional relationship would end due to constant infidelities and abuse. The injured woman was helped by relatives who live nearby and taken to a healthcare center where she recovered satisfactorily.
The prosecutor in the case demonstrated that the injuries caused could have been fatal, if not for the timely attention given to the victim.
The sentence orders the capture of the defendant to serve the sentence imposed, in addition to disqualifying the convicted person from the exercise of rights and public functions, for 20 years.
And the analysis of the crime of domestic violence in Colombia from 2016 to 2023 reveals an increase in cases registered by the National Police, highlighting an upward trend that culminates with a rate of 228.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. in 2023, compared to 207.4 cases in 2016 and its highest peak of 250.9 cases in 2021.
An important finding of this report is that women continue to be the main reported victims of the crime of domestic violence, representing approximately 70 – 77% of the cases recorded in the period 2016-2023. Of the 119,483 cases reported by the National Police in 2023, 84,125 corresponded to cases in which women were victims of the crime of domestic violence.
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Consequences of Attempted Aggravated Femicide
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a critical issue affecting many communities: femicide. We’re joined by Dr. Maria Elena Torres, a renowned expert in gender violence and criminal law. Dr. Torres, thank you for being here.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently, we saw a significant case in Cartagena where a man was sentenced to 20 years and 8 months for attempted aggravated femicide. Can you explain what aggravated femicide entails and why it’s treated so seriously?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Aggravated femicide refers to the attempted or completed murder of a woman based on her gender, often coupled with elements that intensify the crime, such as premeditation or the use of extreme violence. The legal system recognizes these acts as not just individual crimes, but as part of a broader societal issue of gender-based violence. The severity of the sentence reflects not only the crime itself but also the need to deter future acts of violence against women.
Editor: It’s enlightening to understand the legal underpinnings. In this case, what evidence was critical for the prosecutor from the Life Unit in securing a conviction?
Dr. Torres: Key evidence typically includes physical evidence, witness testimonies, and often, the victim’s own statements. In many femicide cases, previous instances of abuse or threats made by the attacker become crucial. This presents a clear pattern of behavior that can substantiate the seriousness of the attempted crime.
Editor: How do such legal outcomes impact societal perceptions of violence against women?
Dr. Torres: Sentencing like this can have a dual effect. On one hand, it sends a strong message that society will not tolerate violence against women and that offenders will face serious consequences. On the other hand, it’s important to consider the limitations – a single case won’t change the societal attitudes that allow such violence to persist. Systematic change requires continuous education and robust legal frameworks that protect women’s rights.
Editor: That’s a valid point. In terms of preventative measures, what steps can be taken to reduce occurrences of femicide and gender-based violence?
Dr. Torres: Education is key. A focus on teaching younger generations about respect and equality, combined with proper support for victims, is fundamental. Additionally, law enforcement and legal systems must be adequately trained to handle these cases sensitively and effectively. Community programs and resources for women in vulnerable situations can also play a pivotal role in prevention.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres. Before we conclude, what message would you like to leave our audience regarding the fight against gender-based violence?
Dr. Torres: I’d like to emphasize that everyone has a role to play. Recognizing the signs of violence, advocating for policy change, and supporting victims in our communities can collectively shift the tide. We must foster environments where women feel safe and empowered to speak out against violence. Thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights and for shedding light on such an urgent matter. It’s crucial that we continue to address and discuss these issues as a society.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
Editor: And to our readers, stay engaged and informed. Until next time, keep the conversation going.