Domestic violence in Paraguay
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The most pervasive violations of women's rights in Paraguay involved sexual and domestic abuse.[1] Spousal abuse was common.[1] The Attorney General's Office reported that there were 12 domestic violence convictions during the year and many others in process.[1] Although the law criminalizes spousal abuse, it stipulates that the abuse must be habitual before being recognized as criminal and then is punishable by a fine.[1] Thousands of women were treated for injuries sustained in violent domestic altercations.[1] Between January and August 2006, the Secretariat of Women's Affairs recorded 1,004 cases of domestic violence.[1] Despite an apparent trend toward increased reporting of complaints, such complaints were often withdrawn soon after filing due to spousal reconciliation or family pressure, including from the attacker who is often the spouse.[1] According to the Attorney General's Office, in 13 years there have been only four cases prosecuted where the wife continued with the case.[1] In addition, the courts allow mediation of some family violence cases, although not provided for in the law.[1] The Secretariat of Women's Affairs' Office of Care and Orientation receives reports on violence against women and coordinates responses with the National Police, primary health care units, the Attorney General's Office, and NGOs.[1] Although these services were available only in Asuncion, the secretariat partnered with several NGOs in other cities to assist in the protection of victims.[1] The NGOs provided health and psychological assistance, including shelter, to victims and communicated with the authorities on behalf of the victims.[1] The secretariat also conducted training courses for the police, health care workers, prosecutors, and others in assisting victims of trafficking and domestic violence.[1] In August the secretariat organized a conference attended by 248 police officers on protecting victims of domestic violence.[1]
The NGO Women's November 25th Collective operated a reception center where female victims of violence received legal, psychological, and educational assistance.[1] The NGO Kuna Aty also offered services to abused women. There were no shelters for battered and abused women outside of Asuncion.[1] In April Asuncion's mayor opened the country's first municipal shelter to care for victims of domestic violence.[1] The shelter has the capacity to provide housing, medical, social, and psychological support to 30 victims and their children.[1]
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