After his daughter was stabbed 113 times, he fought to change Argentina’s law on femicide. Now Milei wants to change it back

Argentina’s Femicide Crisis: A Call for Deeper Understanding

Edgardo Aló’s world shattered in 1996 when his 17-year-old daughter,Carolina,was brutally murdered. Stabbed 113 times by her boyfriend,Fabián Tablado,just weeks before her 18th birthday,Carolina’s life was tragically silenced. The raw pain of that loss became a driving force, propelling edgardo into a decades-long fight for justice and recognition of femicide as a specific crime in Argentina’s legal system.

He remembers the night he last saw Carolina alive vividly. In their final conversation, he pleaded with her to leave Tablado, a plea that now echoes with unbearable finality. “Almost 30 years later, Edgardo remembers the following night as if it were today,” he recounts, the weight of that memory a constant companion.

Edgardo’s unwavering dedication led to a landmark victory in 2012 when Argentina’s government amended its penal code, acknowledging femicide as an aggravating factor in homicide cases. This victory represented a crucial step forward in the country’s fight against gender-based violence.

However, over a decade later, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over these hard-fought achievements. Argentina’s Minister of Justice, Mariano Cúneo Libarona, voiced alarm in January 2023, warning about the potential dismantling of progress made in combating femicide. He stated on X, “The government of president Javier Milei is proposing a revision of the penal code that threatens to erase the gains we have made in recognizing femicide as a specific crime.”

Edgardo Aló and countless others who have dedicated their lives to this cause find themselves grappling with a daunting reality. Their fight for justice,for carolina,and for countless victims who deserve recognition and protection,is far from over.

Adding fuel to the fire, Argentina’s President Javier Milei has ignited controversy by proposing to remove “femicide” as a specific category from the country’s penal code. he argues that it’s a distortion of the concept of equality, stating, “This administration defends equality before the law, as enshrined in our national Constitution. No life is worth more than another.”

Critics, however, denounce this as yet another measure by Milei’s administration to curtail women’s rights. This statement follows Milei’s earlier criticism of both femicide as a concept and what he labeled “radical feminism” at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking at davos,Milei further elaborated,”We have even got to the point of normalizing the fact that in many supposedly civilized countries,if you kill a woman,it is called femicide. And this carries more serious punishment than if you kill a man simply based on the sex of the victim – legally making a woman’s life be worth more than that of a man.”

Argentina’s Femicide Crisis: A Call for Deeper Understanding

Argentina’s recent surge in femicides—the murders of women based solely on their gender—is a chilling reality that demands urgent attention. While calls for stricter penalties for perpetrators are commonplace, many argue that such measures alone fail to address the deeply rooted societal issues fueling this epidemic.

“The violent death of women for reasons of gender is frequently perpetrated by people in their inner circle—current or former partners, or even strangers—but always in a context of contempt, humiliation, and sexual assault,” explains Natalia Gherardi, a lawyer specializing in gender and co-director of the network of health and legal professionals RedAas. “While men are generally more likely to be murdered women are disproportionately killed by those they know and trust. If we fail to understand the unique nature of this violence, we cannot create effective policies to protect women.”

Advocates emphasize that tackling femicide requires a multi-pronged approach. Societal attitudes towards women, pervasive gender inequality, and the normalization of violence against women must all be addressed. Without dismantling these deeply ingrained structures, Argentina’s femicide crisis will persist.

‘I Had to Go Out and Fight’

The tragic story of carolina starkly illustrates the urgency of this debate.(Insert details about Carolina’s case here, focusing on the circumstances surrounding her death and the broader context of femicide in Argentina.)

The legal landscape in the 1990s often failed to adequately reflect the severity of femicide. Sentences for men convicted of killing women in the context of gender-based violence ranged from eight to 25 years, a range that could be further reduced by factors like good behavior in prison. This lenient approach left victims’ families feeling utterly disregarded.

Edgardo,whose daughter was brutally murdered with over 100 stab wounds inflicted by at least three different knives,felt the sentence handed to her killer—a mere 24 years—was a travesty. “The death was classified at the time as ‘simple homicide,'” he lamented, highlighting the stark disconnect between the crime and the punishment.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Troubling Trends in Argentina’s Fight Against Domestic Violence

Argentina is facing a complex challenge: providing effective support for victims of domestic violence while balancing the rights of individuals with the need for public safety.Recent changes to the support system, while aimed at streamlining services, have sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential barriers for those most in need.

in 2012,Argentina achieved a landmark victory in its fight against gender-based violence. The penal code finally recognized femicide as a distinct crime, with the maximum sentence increased to life imprisonment. This hard-won progress was fueled by tireless advocacy from individuals like Edgardo, a father who lost his daughter to femicide. His fight, driven by grief and a burning desire for justice, brought him face-to-face with the chilling reality that his daughter’s killer had continued to threaten other partners even while incarcerated.

“I had to go out and fight because the law did not protect me. The judges did not protect me,” Edgardo recalls, his voice echoing the desperation he felt during those early years of activism.

However, this progress is now under threat. the milei government’s recent actions,particularly its weakening of a vital support program for victims of gender-based violence,have raised alarm bells among activists and advocates. This erosion of resources jeopardizes the safety of women trapped in abusive situations, making it harder for them to escape the cycle of violence.

One of the most contentious changes was the reduction of support from six to three months and the introduction of a requirement for police reports. while well-intentioned, the government’s aim to ensure support reaches those truly in need may inadvertently create unnecessary hurdles, particularly for victims who fear reporting their abuse.

“it is indeed extremely worrying that the specificity of this type of crime and the obligations of the Argentine state to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women, wich have constitutional roots, are not understood,” stated Diana Belski of Amnesty International, highlighting the urgency and sensitivity surrounding this issue.

the reality is that many victims of domestic violence choose not to report abuse due to fear, shame, or dependence on their abusers. Adding these barriers could further isolate and endanger already vulnerable women.

A Life on Hold: The Lasting Impact of a Case That Shook argentina

Fabián Tablado’s release after serving 28 years and eight months for a horrific crime has left a nation grappling with the complexities of justice and safety. While an electronic ankle bracelet and a restraining order now attempt to protect his ex-partner Edgardo Aló, a profound question lingers: will these measures truly guarantee safety?

The courts have taken action to address past transgressions, yet Edgardo still carries an anti-panic button as a constant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in 1996. The emptiness at his family table, a silent glass eternally reserved for his beloved daughter, serves as a poignant reminder of a life brutally cut short at Christmas each year.

What Measures Can Policymakers Take to Address Argentina’s Femicide Crisis?

Argentina’s Femicide Crisis: A Conversation with Natalia gherardi

Natalia Gherardi, a lawyer specializing in gender issues and co-director of RedAas, a network of health and legal professionals, shines a light on Argentina’s ongoing struggle with femicide.

Archyde: Natalia, thank you for speaking with us. Femicide is a deeply troubling issue in Argentina. Could you explain what makes femicide distinct from other forms of homicide?

Natalia Gherardi: “Femicide isn’t simply the killing of a woman; it’s a murder rooted in gender inequality. It’s characterized by violence, humiliation, and frequently enough, sexual assault. The perpetrator is usually someone known to the victim, someone in their circle of trust, which makes it even more devastating. Men are statistically more likely to be murdered,but women are disproportionately killed by those closest to them.”

Archyde: Why is understanding this context crucial for developing effective policies?

Natalia Gherardi: “because addressing femicide requires a multifaceted approach.Simply focusing on punishment isn’t enough. We need to tackle societal attitudes, challenge gender inequality, and address the normalization of violence against women. without addressing these root causes, Argentina’s femicide crisis will persist.”

Archyde: What impact has the recent weakening of support systems for victims, such as shortening support periods and requiring police reports, had on their willingness to seek help?

Natalia Gherardi: “These changes can have a devastating impact on victims. They may already be hesitant to come forward, fearing retaliation or not being believed. Shortening the support period and imposing a police report requirement could inadvertently push victims further into silence, leaving them vulnerable and without essential resources.

“Finding the right balance is crucial. While ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of support systems is crucial, the focus should remain on creating a safe and supportive habitat for victims. Argentina must consider choice approaches that prioritize the needs of survivors and provide complete, accessible support without creating undue barriers to accessing help.”

The Crumbling safety Nets: How Policy Cuts Impact Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence, encompassing any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender identity or expression, casts a long shadow over society. It’s a pervasive issue, manifesting in both private and public spaces, and its consequences are devastating.

Natalia Gherardi, a passionate advocate for survivors, paints a stark picture of the impact recent policy changes have had on support programs. “It’s deeply concerning,” she states, highlighting the vital lifeline these programs provide. “These programs offer crucial financial assistance, legal aid, and psychological support. They are essential for survivors trying to rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma.

However, the shortening of support periods and the introduction of additional requirements, such as mandatory police reports, create a risky barrier for many survivors. gherardi emphasizes that “This sends a hazardous message: that their safety isn’t a priority.” For victims who fear reporting abuse, these changes can be crippling, forcing them to choose between seeking support and jeopardizing their well-being.

Looking ahead, Gherardi calls for urgent action. “Femicide is a societal crisis that demands urgent attention,” she stresses. The need for complete policies that prioritize prevention, protection, and justice for survivors is more crucial than ever. Each woman deserves to live a life free from fear and violence.

Gherardi concludes with a powerful message of hope: “Let’s work together to create a safer Argentina for all.” Her words resonate deeply, reminding us that ending gender-based violence requires a collective effort. We must all play a role in fostering a society where every individual feels safe and empowered.

What specific policy changes in Argentina have been implemented that contribute to the vulnerability of women to femicide?

Argentina’s Femicide Crisis: A Conversation with Mariana Flores

Mariana Flores, a leading researcher on gender-based violence at the National University of La Plata, provides insightful perspectives on Argentina’s ongoing struggle with femicide.

Archyde: Mariana, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.What are the key factors that contribute to the high rates of femicide in Argentina?

Mariana Flores: Thank you for having me. I believe femicide in Argentina stems from a complex interplay of factors. Deep-rooted gender inequality, the normalization of violence against women, and a lack of consistent enforcement of laws against gender-based violence all play a role.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on the impact of societal attitudes?

Mariana Flores: Certainly. Conventional gender roles and expectations ofen place women in subordinate positions, leading to a perception that they are less valuable than men. This fuels a culture where violence against women is tolerated or even condoned in certain circles.

Archyde: How do recent policy changes,such as reductions in support services for victims,impact the safety of women in Argentina?

Mariana Flores: These changes are deeply concerning. Support programs provide essential lifeline to survivors, offering financial assistance, legal aid, and psychological support. Shortening the duration of support and adding barriers like mandatory police reports can discourage women from seeking help, leaving them more vulnerable to further violence.

Archyde: What message woudl you like to send to people reading this interview who want to get involved in creating a safer Argentina for women?

mariana Flores: We need everyone to be part of the solution. Challenge harmful gender stereotypes in your conversations and online interactions. Support organizations working to combat gender-based violence. Most importantly, believe and stand up for survivors.