Colombia is a country that has been struggling for decades with the profound consequences of armed conflict, social inequality and widespread poverty. One of the most serious challenges is the problem of sexual violence against children, which has reached alarmingly high levels in many regions of the country. This blog post discusses why Colombia is particularly affected by this problem, what role poverty plays in this and how state actors and civil society can contribute to combating this violence.
Causes of sexual violence against children in Colombia
The causes of sexual violence against children in Colombia are complex and closely linked to the socio-economic and historical realities of the country. The most important factors include:
The armed conflict: Decades of armed conflict have weakened the country's institutions, particularly in rural regions. This instability has created spaces in which criminal and armed groups can act with impunity. In this context, children have not only been recruited as soldiers, but have also been victims of rape and sexual exploitation.
Weak state institutions: Especially in rural areas of Colombia, the state often has little or no presence. This leads to a lack of basic protection mechanisms for children and a lack of functioning legal systems that could hold perpetrators accountable. Impunity in such cases encourages the continuation of this violence.
Social norms and patriarchal structures: Sexual violence is also the result of deeply rooted patriarchal structures in Colombian society. Women and children are considered subordinate in many regions of the country, and sexual violence is often used as a means of exercising power and control. This is reinforced by cultural taboos and the stigmatization of victims, which leads to many cases going unreported.
Poverty plays a central role in the spread of sexual violence against children. Statistics show that children from poorer backgrounds are at a much higher risk of becoming victims of sexual violence. A study by the Colombian government agency for family planning (ICBF) shows that over 70% of victims of sexual violence come from poor households.
Why does poverty increase the risk of sexual violence?
Lack of access to education: In poor regions, children often do not have access to quality education. As a result, they are less informed about their rights and do not have the necessary means to defend themselves against abuse or seek help.
Lack of economic alternatives: In many poor communities, children and their families rely on informal, insecure work, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. In extreme cases, families sell their children into prostitution in order to survive economically.
Poor infrastructure and lack of social services: In rural and poor urban areas, there is often insufficient infrastructure or social services that could have a preventative effect. This includes a lack of women's shelters, advice centers and police stations.
Fighting poverty is an essential part of the fight against sexual violence against children. By improving socio-economic conditions, children and families can be better protected from the risks of sexual exploitation. Here are some key aspects of how poverty reduction can contribute to reducing sexual violence:
Education programs: Improving access to education is a crucial factor in the fight against sexual violence. Children who go to school not only have a better chance of a secure future, but are also educated and empowered about their rights. Studies show that education is a decisive protective factor, especially for girls.
Social protection systems: Strong social protection systems can help to ensure that families are not forced into precarious situations that put their children at risk. Financial support for families in need can prevent children from being forced into prostitution or forced labor.
Improving healthcare: Improved access to medical and psychological services can ensure that victims of sexual violence receive appropriate support, both physically and psychologically.
In recent years, the Colombian state has taken measures to combat sexual violence. In particular, the implementation of the national program to prevent and combat violence against women and children is a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. Many measures fail due to a lack of implementation in rural areas and ineffective prosecution.
State actors must work in particular to improve infrastructure in vulnerable regions and ensure that existing laws to prevent and punish sexual violence are consistently implemented.In addition to government measures, civil society plays an important role. Local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been campaigning for the protection of children for years. They offer important services, such as psychosocial support for victims, awareness-raising campaigns and legal advice. Organizations such as "Casa de Dios Zoe" work directly with communities to establish long-term protection mechanisms.
Conclusion
The problem of sexual violence against children in Colombia is deeply rooted in the country's complex socio-economic and historical structures. Poverty plays a crucial role in this, as it makes children particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation. The fight against this violence requires increased cooperation between state actors and civil society, with the fight against poverty playing a central role. Only through a holistic strategy that combines prevention, support and prosecution can the situation of children be sustainably improved.