Latin America
Despite changing attitudes toward the seriousness of sexual abuse in Latin America, sexual violence cases remain under-prosecuted and perpetrators have traditionally received light sentences or been set free in much of the region.
Historical discrimination against women and intense poverty aggravate the problems of sexual violence in the countries in which IJM operates in Latin America. Overburdened judicial systems and widespread underreporting of offenses make convictions difficult to obtain in cases of rape and sexual violence. In Guatemala, for example, it is estimated that 90 percent of rape and domestic violence incidents go unreported. If a case is brought to trial, the likelihood that no conviction will be issued is 90 percent. Similar difficulties exist in each of the countries in which IJM operates in the region.
Children are often voiceless in the aftermath of sexual violence; in Latin America, IJM gives these victims a voice, ensures that their needs are met through aftercare services, and brings justice to their perpetrators. Through advocating for the voiceless, IJM works to end the cycle of sexual violence, bringing relief and protection to victims and the vulnerable.
Orphaned as an infant, Maite was entrusted to a family friend who promised to care for her. That promise was broken. Maite was physically and sexually abused and treated like a slave. A neighbor discovered the abuse, informed IJM and arranged a secret meeting between Maite and Miriam, an IJM Guatemala social worker. After hearing Maite’s story, Miriam promised her that IJM would do everything we could to rescue her from the abusive situation.
IJM secured a protective order from the government and Maite was brought to an excellent children’s home where she could start healing. IJM obtained arrest warrants for the woman who had violently abused Maite and for her adult son, who had raped her. The mother has been arrested and is awaiting trial, and one of IJM’s investigators is working diligently to locate her son.
But Maite’s story did not end there. IJM worked to determine if Maite had any relatives. After the Children’s Magistrate asked anyone with information on Maite’s family to attend a hearing, her grandfather came to the courtroom. He thought he had lost contact with her forever. And the biggest surprise was that he brought a girl with him – Maite’s older sister. There was great rejoicing as Maite was reunited with family she never knew she had. After the hearing, the judge decided that both girls would live in the children’s home. Their grandfather was so thankful; he was a very poor man and desperately wanted both Maite and her sister to have the opportunity to live in a secure and loving home where they would be able to go to school.
Historical discrimination against women and intense poverty aggravate the problems of sexual violence in the countries in which IJM operates in Latin America. Overburdened judicial systems and widespread underreporting of offenses make convictions difficult to obtain in cases of rape and sexual violence. In Guatemala, for example, it is estimated that 90 percent of rape and domestic violence incidents go unreported. If a case is brought to trial, the likelihood that no conviction will be issued is 90 percent. Similar difficulties exist in each of the countries in which IJM operates in the region.
Children are often voiceless in the aftermath of sexual violence; in Latin America, IJM gives these victims a voice, ensures that their needs are met through aftercare services, and brings justice to their perpetrators. Through advocating for the voiceless, IJM works to end the cycle of sexual violence, bringing relief and protection to victims and the vulnerable.
In a joyful reunion, Maite (right) meets the family she never knew she had. (Her face has been blurred to protect her identity.)
Maite's Story – Guatemala
Orphaned as an infant, Maite was entrusted to a family friend who promised to care for her. That promise was broken. Maite was physically and sexually abused and treated like a slave. A neighbor discovered the abuse, informed IJM and arranged a secret meeting between Maite and Miriam, an IJM Guatemala social worker. After hearing Maite’s story, Miriam promised her that IJM would do everything we could to rescue her from the abusive situation.
IJM secured a protective order from the government and Maite was brought to an excellent children’s home where she could start healing. IJM obtained arrest warrants for the woman who had violently abused Maite and for her adult son, who had raped her. The mother has been arrested and is awaiting trial, and one of IJM’s investigators is working diligently to locate her son.
But Maite’s story did not end there. IJM worked to determine if Maite had any relatives. After the Children’s Magistrate asked anyone with information on Maite’s family to attend a hearing, her grandfather came to the courtroom. He thought he had lost contact with her forever. And the biggest surprise was that he brought a girl with him – Maite’s older sister. There was great rejoicing as Maite was reunited with family she never knew she had. After the hearing, the judge decided that both girls would live in the children’s home. Their grandfather was so thankful; he was a very poor man and desperately wanted both Maite and her sister to have the opportunity to live in a secure and loving home where they would be able to go to school.
Latin America Field Offices & Casework Alliances (CWA)
Established : 2006Casework Emphasis: Sexual Violence
Established : 2005
Casework Emphasis : Sexual Violence
Name: Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope)
Casework Emphasis: Sexual Violence; Domestic Violence
Name : Paz y Esperanza
Casework Emphasis : Sexual Violence; Domestic Violence