Milena Gordon Baker

Violence Against Women and the Role of Penal Law: An Analysis of Latin American Penal Codes and a Proposal to Empower Women Milena Gordon Baker

Women have long been victims of inequality and discrimination, simply due to "being women"--and there is an urgent need to eliminate macho or chauvinistic violence towards them. Violence against women is perverse and intolerable--not only as an instrument of oppression and a creator of inequality, but also as an obstacle to women's empowerment. Feminist movements have been fundamental in shining a light on this insidious violence--hidden and tolerated socially for centuries--and have demanded tougher laws to eradicate this problem.

Violence Against Women encourages stronger protection for women through an analysis of Criminal Laws that are focused on more severe punishment for crimes involving physical violence against women.