On 22 November 2007, nighttime marches are scheduled in twelve Chilean cities to protest the practice of femicide. The Network against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Chile is sponsoring these marches. A reported 52 women have been killed by their husbands and boyfriends during the month of October, and this network would like the world to know about it. In October, President Michelle Bachelet submitted a women’s rights bill to the Chilean Congress. This bill recommends that Chilean law make a distinction between femicide and homicide. The bill also provides for the construction of nine safe houses.
Some have voiced concerns claiming the bill does not do enough. The bill does not include plans to reform Chilean courts. Some feel that the prosecution of these crimes must be stricter in order to deter domestic violence and femicide.
It is believed that thousands will join the Network against Domestic and Sexual Violence on 22 November to protest the growing number of women killed by domestic violence.
Compiled from: “Thousands of Chileans to March Against Femicide,” Matt Malinowski, Women’s Enews, 4 November 2007.