Ecuador

Overview of the Law

Objective:
To prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women, both in public and private spaces, particularly when women are in vulnerable or high-risk situations. The law promotes:

• Comprehensive prevention, care, protection, and reparation for victims

• Re-education of aggressors

• Work on masculinities to address root causes of violence

Definition of Political Violence (Article 10)

Political violence is defined as:

“Violence committed by a group of people, directly or indirectly, against women who are candidates, partisans, elected, appointed or hold public office, human rights defenders, feminists, political or social leaders, or against their family. This violence is aimed at shortening, suspending, preventing or restricting her actions or the exercise of her position, or to induce or force her to carry out an action against her will or incur an omission, in the performance of her duties, including the lack of access to public property or other resources for the proper performance of her duties.”

Protected Persons

Although not listed separately, Article 10 implies that the law applies to:

• Women who are candidates or members of political parties

• Elected or appointed officials

• Women holding public office

• Human rights defenders

• Feminists

• Political or social leaders

• Family members of the above, when targeted in the context of political violence

Structure of the Law

The law is structured under the following categories:

• Objectives, definitions, and purpose

• Scope of application

• State obligations and institutional responsibilities

• Legal approaches and guiding principles

• Defined rights of women

• Forms and areas of violence against women

• The Sistema Nacional Integral para Prevenir y Erradicar la Violencia contra las Mujeres (National Integrated System to Prevent and Eradicate Violence Against Women), including its powers, regulations, and obligations

• Roles and responsibilities of institutions (e.g., Attorney General, Public Defender)

• Prevention measures and media responsibilities

• Measures for care, protection, urgent action, and administrative procedures

• Emergency and protective measures, including roles of Cantonal Boards

• Investigation, appeal, and reparations

• Risk assessment and early warning systems

• Participation and organizational strengthening mechanisms

Three Key Features of the Law

1. Media Obligations on Violence Against Women (Article 42)

• Public, private, and community media must treat content related to violence against women with respect for women’s rights and dignity.

• Media outlets are required to:
  Raise awareness and promote the eradication of gender-based violence
  Develop content that supports the law’s aims
  Avoid disseminating sexist or male-dominated messages, especially in public advertisements

2. Comprehensive Care Measures for Victims (Article 44)

• Government entities must implement coordinated care plans for victims that include:
  Protocols and internal regulations
  Free, specialized aid and services
  Strengthened care spaces and shelters
  Gender-sensitive training for support personnel
  Support networks and policies for socio-economic incentives for victims and their families

3. Urgent Actions in Cases of Imminent Risk (Article 48)

• In emergency situations, the National Police is required to:
  Immediately respond to alerts generated by emergency systems
  Activate security and protection protocols
  Escort the victim to retrieve belongings, if needed
  Assist the victim in filing for a restraining order or protective warrant
  Refer the victim (and, if necessary, her family) to specialized assistance through the Sistema Nacional Integral