GUATEMALA: Women Standing Up to Violence in Guatemala City

Date: 
Friday, January 20, 2012
Source: 
Madre News
Countries: 
Americas
Central America
Guatemala
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

On December 1, 2011, a woman from the community of Barcenas, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, was violently assaulted and left unconscious, bleeding from severe wounds. With the support of MADRE, our partners at the Women Workers Committee in Barcenas provided her with emergency support to ensure that she heals both emotionally and physically from this attack. The Women Workers Committee also helped her file a formal complaint against her attackers.

You may remember the tragic story of Rosemary, who was only 17 when she was murdered, targeted because she was a young woman. Since Rosemary's murder in 2009, the Women Workers Committee and MADRE have worked to share her story and to fight for justice.

Recently, the women of Barcenas took to the street in a peaceful mass demonstration against violence. Rosemary's mother, Betty Gonzalez, was there to demand justice for her daughter.

“It fills me with great joy because I know that there are women who care for us and help us move forward in our struggle”. When we told you about Rosemary's murder, many of you reached out to support Betty in her search for answers. MADRE sent these messages and gestures of solidarity to Betty. She recently sent us a response to pass on to MADRE members:

Thank you for helping Betty and the women of Barcenas know they are not alone.