As a result of a deep-rooted chauvinism, since 2020 the northeastern department of Alta Verapaz remains with the highest number nationwide, according to data from the period exposed by the Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Experts warned that those rapes occur in a high number of cases (around 80%) within the family, with a close relative or friend involved.

Specialists pointed out this situation appears as a serious obstacle when it comes to denouncing or taking legal action, and in the end, silence and submission prevail.

Organizations analyzing policies related to reproductive health alerted that this scourge is due to factors such as the dominant patriarchal culture, which allows this practice, the lack of information, myths and prejudices.

The problem is not the “intrinsic evil” of male chauvinists, but a millenary formative pattern that continues to be reproduced day by day, they reflected.

They considered it essential not to hide the issue and to initiate strong sex education campaigns and a new vision of reproductive health in Guatemala.

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