SERNAM launches campaign to identify and prevent different forms of violence against women

National Women’s Service Minister Claudia Pascual Grau stated that violence against women in Chile “is a universal problem, and each one of us must take responsibility for it so that as a society we can eradicate it.”

She added that this is why “SERNAM and the future Ministry of Women and Gender Equity is looking to move towards a cultural shift based on respect and equality of rights among men and women so that we can make sure that all Chilean women can live a life free of violence.”

The minister noted that this campaign, which is in its second consecutive year, is focused on identifying and preventing violence. She added that “thousands of women in our country suffer because their partners control their lives. This is a misunderstanding of the nature of the caring and affection that one can have in a relationship. Controlling is not the same thing as loving. Controlling is not caring or trust. Control is violence.”
The minister encouraged her audience to discuss these issues with relatives, friends, at work, and at school in order to identify and raise awareness about the need to end this social problem, which affects 1 out of every 3 women in Chile.

Through four comic strips, videos, and slides for social networks, the campaign showcases situations like “He doesn’t let me see my family,” “He asked for my passwords,” “He drops by unannounced to pick me up,” “He controls my income,” “He checks my cell phone” and “He tells me what to wear.” The material addresses some of the forms of control and violence that are perpetrated against women, such as demanding passwords to email and social networks and checking cell phones or computers. Other forms of control over women include preventing them from interacting with friends or family and monitoring their physical appearance, including the clothes and cosmetics they wear.

The campaign states that there is no justification for violence against women and that as a society we must work to ensure that girls, teenagers, and women of all ages are respected.

Violence against women originates in models and ideas that suggest that men are superior in society and within the family. Violence is learned at home, at school, through the media, and through publicity.

All of us can work to change this: men and women have equal rights.

The public is invited to learn more about the different forms of violence against women, which affect all ages, social conditions, cultural origins, and levels of education. SERNAM has created the toll-free number 800 104 008, which is staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The counselors who take the calls can provide guidance and support to women who are at risk or facing violence and to people who witness violence.

SERNAM Women’s Centers throughout Chile provide social, psychological, and/or legal support to those who have been affected by violence.