Adelma Cifuentes’ story of abuse, escape, and get the justice continues to open the eyes of many to the flight of violence against women and gender-based violence in Guatemala, where nearly 10 out of every 100,000 women are killed, it’s hardly unusual. This article uses Cifuentes story to delve into the seriousness of gender-based violence in Guatemala, its deeply rooted patriarchal society, as well as the evidence of progress that can be seen today.
“A 2012 Small Arms Survey says gender-based violence is at epidemic levels in Guatemala and the country ranks third in the killings of women worldwide. According to the United Nations, two women are killed there every day.”