Domestic violence in Colombia

Although prohibited by law, domestic violence in Colombia remains a serious problem.^[1] Judicial authorities may remove an abuser from the household and require therapy or re-education.^[1] The law provides prison time if the abuser causes grave harm or the abuse is recurrent; however, provisions for fines are not applied.^[1] The Institute for Legal Medicine and Forensic Science reported approximately 33,000 cases of domestic violence against women during 2006 but noted that only a small percentage of cases were brought to its attention.^[1] The law stipulates that the government must provide victims of domestic violence with immediate protection from physical or psychological abuse.^[1] The ICBF provided safe houses and counseling for victims, but its services were dwarfed by the magnitude of the problem.^[1] In addition to fulfilling traditional family counseling functions, ICBF family ombudsmen handled domestic violence cases.^[1] The Colombia Ombudsman's Office of Human Rights conducted regional training workshops to promote the application of domestic violence statutes.^[1]

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