Gender-based violence in Cartagena remains a concern despite lower figures
The United Nations (UN) defines gender-based violence as any harmful act directed against a person or group of people because of their gender.
TL;DR
- Gender-based violence remains a significant issue on Colombia's Caribbean coast, especially in the department of Bolívar.
- In 2025, Bolívar recorded 28 feminicides and 9 attempted feminicides; in 2024, there were 42 feminicides and 16 attempts.
- Sexual violence is recurrent, with 641 forensic medical exams for sexual offenses in Bolívar in 2025, 528 against minors.
- The transgender community faces extreme violence and discrimination, with a lack of trust in institutions.
- Although figures show a downward trend in 2024 and 2025, the Defensoría del Pueblo suggests this might be due to increased underreporting.
- Institutional responses include the Casa Refugio Violeta in Cartagena and two Casas Púrpuras in Bolívar, offering psychosocial and legal support.
- The Ministry of Health allocated over 215 million pesos to the district in 2025 for measures for affected women and their dependents.
- The article calls for strengthening prevention campaigns and cultural strategies that promote respect for women.