RAND Europe
3.
The wider context of INFANT’s actions
3.1.
A broad shift in how violence was viewed in Peruvian society
Public and political awareness of violence as an unacceptable violation of human rights (including children’s) increased in Peru in the years leading up to legislative change. Many noted wider debate and conversation about violence taking place in the period before legislative change92 – concerning not just children but also women and minority groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). In the words of a former metropolitan councillor: “From 2011‐2012, and specially between 2013‐2014, there has been a much wider and calm discussion about violence and the diverse forms it takes (women, LGBT, sexual harassment on the streets, children). There were demonstrations against homophobia and in favour of women […]. There is still resistance by certain groups of the population, but the climate has changed both politically and in the media. It went from a niche topic to an ample one. It started being discussed in the media and then by society."93 Similarly, an actress reported substantial debate on the issue during the five years before the new law,94 and a journalist noted the diminishing social acceptance of violence95. One sign of change mentioned by the journalist is that it is no longer acceptable to air old TV shows that reinforce violent practices or stereotypes, since public groups now react with criticism. However, both interviewees stressed that while the subject is now on the agenda, change is gradual and violent practices have not been eradicated. Changes were also observed at the political level. A former advisor to Congresswoman Luisa Maria Cuculiza (2006‐2016) noted a growing awareness among politicians of the prevalence of violence in Peru as a national issue, a change which he believes led to the law’s adoption.96 A former congressman (2011‐2016) noted that the “culture of violence” in Peru was evidenced by statistics collected by the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations,97 which helped create consensus among politicians.98 Comments by the Director‐General of the General Committee of Children and Adolescents corroborates the idea that statistical evidence contributed to politicians’ increased awareness of violence towards children as a problem. She explained that the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations collected data on children’s experience of violence and the general public’s views on violence. The results showed that action was needed to change societal perceptions and behaviour around violence. In her words: “Surveys such as ENARES and ENDES showed that the perceptions that parents have about their children, that children are their property, needed to change. These surveys showed that parents had a lax view on violence and that they considered that without these actions they wouldn’t be able to correct [their 92
Member of INFANT 1; Local government representative 10; Artist 18; Journalist 13. Local government representative 10.
93 94
Artist 18
95
Journalist 13. Parliamentary assistant 17. 97 Politician 14. 98 Politician 14. 96
14
