Cultura de paz y violencia de género: efectividad de la LOIPEVCM ante el femicidio

Abstract

Gender-based violence represents a serious social and even public health problem that directly affects and threatens Ecuadorians' aspiration for a society based on a culture of peace. Femicide represents the most serious form and consequence of violence against women. This crime only serves to highlight the deep-rooted structures based on patriarchy, a daily life infested with machismo, and, in general, a culture based on gender roles. These factors are compounded by other problems in the country, such as economic inequality and the absence of government institutions that hinder the effective protection of women's rights. Despite the progress made in the country, such as the criminalization of femicide and the enactment of the Comprehensive Organic Law for the Prevention and Eradication of Violence against Women, femicide rates continue to rise. Therefore, it is pertinent to question the effectiveness of the aforementioned law and the legal framework in general. Therefore, this article analyzes the effectiveness of the Organic Law on Comprehensive Prevention and Eradication of Violence against Women (LOIPEVCM) from an interpretive perspective. To this end, it examines the structural causes of gender-based violence, public policies, the international legal framework, and governmental limitations. The results reveal that, although the LOIPEVCM is a fairly comprehensive and up-to-date law, its proper implementation faces several challenges.