Violence against women persists in El Salvador – plenglish.com

Report on Gender-Based Violence in El Salvador: Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) of El Salvador reported significant statistics on gender-based violence for the years 2024 and 2025, highlighting critical challenges faced by women in the country. This report underscores the importance of addressing these issues in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Key Statistics on Gender-Based Violence

1. Total cases of gender-based violence reported: 18,949
2. Cases involving sexual assault: 8,938
3. Femicides recorded during this period: 82
4. Physical violence cases: 2,339
5. Psychological violence cases: 7,062

Analysis of the Situation

• Magnitude of Violence: The high number of reported cases reflects the severe violence women face in El Salvador, a country with one of the highest femicide rates in the Americas.
• Prevalence of Sexual Violence: Despite a reduction compared to previous periods, sexual violence remains the most persistent and widespread form of gender-based violence.
• Physical and Psychological Abuse: Both forms of violence are prevalent, indicating multifaceted abuse against women.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The data presented by ORMUSA highlights urgent needs aligned with several SDGs:

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: The persistence of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence, demonstrates the critical need for policies and actions promoting equality and protection for women.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Addressing femicides and violence requires coordinated efforts from state institutions to ensure justice and strengthen legal frameworks.
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Psychological and physical violence have profound impacts on women’s health, necessitating comprehensive support services.

Recommendations

1. Implement a firm and coordinated commitment among state institutions and society to combat sexual and gender-based violence.
2. Strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to reduce femicides and protect victims.
3. Promote awareness and education programs to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
4. Enhance support services for survivors, including psychological and medical care.

Conclusion

ORMUSA’s report confirms that sexual violence is a structural and persistent problem in El Salvador, requiring urgent and sustained action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Collaborative efforts between government entities and civil society are essential to create a safer and more equitable environment for women.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on gender-based violence, sexual assault, and femicides, which are critical issues under SDG 5 aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The involvement of the Attorney General’s Office and the emphasis on coordinated state commitment relate to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. Targets under SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as violence and exploitation.
2. Targets under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators related to SDG 5
   • Number of reported cases of gender-based violence (18,949 cases reported by FGR).
   • Number of sexual assault cases (8,938 cases).
   • Number of femicides (82 cases).
   • Cases of physical violence (2,339 cases) and psychological violence (7,062 cases).
2. Indicators related to SDG 16
   • Number of violence-related cases reported to justice institutions (Attorney General’s Office data).
   • Reduction in cases compared to previous periods (implied progress measurement).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: plenglish.com