Violence Against Women

Abstract

<p>Beginning in the 1980s, Latin American feminist movements identified violence against women as one the main social problems in the region, resulting from a system of gender oppression intertwined with economic and political oppression. This chapter discusses Latin American scholarship’s most important theoretical contributions to the study of violence against women, as well as the proposals for addressing the problem and the controversies around those proposals. The chapter first traces the analyses of this form of violence under dictatorships. It then addresses how the transition to democracy afforded feminists opportunities to put the issue on the public agenda. The chapter also presents new concepts that have been developed to understand the escalation of lethal violence, as well as Latin American scholars’ and activists’ most recent strategies for ending violence against women.</p>

Reentry Barriers for Incarcerated Girls With Undiagnosed Disabilities in Costa Rica

“…There is a high probability that youth engaged in delinquency come from deprived environments (Brendtro et al, 1990) and that girls and women have been subject to gendered violence (Sagot, 2020). Adverse childhood experiences are often associated with adverse community environments (Ellis & Dietz, 2017), and many incarcerated girls and young women suffer from developmental deficiencies related to high-risk contexts and exposure to trauma (Armstrong, 2010; Jensen, 2009).…”

“…Employment and economic independence are social expectations that mark the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and they usually represent a significant part of the building of a life plan after incarceration (Unruh et al, 2009). However, becoming employed and economically independent manifest differently depending on gender (Rosales, 2020; Sagot, 2020) and on the mastering of basic skills that, without the appropriate social supports, may exclude people with disabilities (Arguedas, 2021).…”

“…However, research with a gender-responsive perspective that intersects Costa Rican women in confinement who are also minors, and who present any kind of disability, does not exist. Apparently, the current correctional system identifies psychosocial disabilities in theory but neglects actively treating the emotional and behavioral needs of youth under their custody with trauma-informed services and with a gender-responsive approach (Sagot, 2020; Webster, 2020). Thus, these girls and young women are not prepared to build a life plan for life beyond incarceration that makes it possible for them to become economically independent and to have an improved quality of life.…”

“…In addition, the plan must offer the supports that are needed for young women who have continuing emotional, educational, and behavioral challenges so that they can be better prepared when they reenter a community (Ochoa et al, 2020). A gender-responsive perspective would significantly benefit incarcerated girls and their specific needs for personal growth (Rosales, 2020;Sagot, 2020). Girls leaving correctional confinement must be engaged in the process of identifying their own needs, gaps, and necessary supports to respond in a way that builds from their lived experiences.…”