Church worker doubts value of new Chilean domestic violence law

Published: 2005-09-16

SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- A domestic violence law scheduled to take effect Oct. 1 will stiffen prison terms for aggressors and broaden the definition of potential victims, but at least one church worker who aids abused women has little hope the new legislation will provide more protection or improve women's plight. The new law, approved unanimously Sept. 6 after seven years in Congress, considers domestic violence a crime and not a misdemeanor, like the current legislation. Also, for the first time, systematic or habitual physical and psychological abuse will be penalized with prison terms of up to 540 days. Domestic violence resulting in serious injuries will be punished with 10- to 15-year sentences. "We are going to punish and reject domestic violence with much harsher sanctions than those applied in cases of common delinquency. A victim of violence within the family or the home is not the same as a victim of violence on the streets," said Cecilia Perez Diaz, Chilean minister of women's affairs.

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