Domestic violence leaps in Panama — 45 dead

Panama recorded a dramatic increase in cases of domestic violence in 2011 including 45 deaths.

The number of cases went from 134  per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010 to 160 per 100,000 including  45 deaths in 2011.

The figures come from the Ministry of Public Security.

Overall there were   5,689       reported cases of domestic violence last year, compared with 4 717  in 2010.

This increase has raised increased concern for the Panamanian Observatory against Gender Violence of the Ombudsman's Office which states the need to develop a specific policy to combat the violation of the rights of women, the most affected.

They recognize that each time you register a "femicide" in the country, the product of violence and discrimination, "we are failing as a state."

The Observatory said that a comprehensive approach to the problem  is needed by promoting through education a culture of peace, prevention, protection and multidisciplinary care for victims, and  punishment and treatment of aggressors.