[Critical route of women affected by intrafamily violence in Latin America: case studies of ten countries]

Results are presented of a study of the critical route of women affected by domestic violence conducted in 16 communities of Central America and Ecuador Bolivia and Peru. A single protocol was applied in 1996-98 to determine the process followed by women over 15 and to identify the factors influencing it. Data were obtained from interviews with affected women and service providers institutional documents and focus groups with community members. The development of policy and legislation intended to prevent and treat domestic violence in the different countries and the local contexts of the 16 communities are described and compared. Access availability and quality of services in the health judicial police and educational sectors and nongovernmental organizations are described. Social attitudes toward domestic violence in the communities and the women’s characteristics and experiences with violence and service agencies are assessed. A chapter on the process of the critical route examines the moment of the decision to seek assistance the trajectories followed actions undertaken and results obtained and determining factors of the critical route. The work concludes with concrete recommendations for improving policies programs and the quality of services offered to the women and their families.