Peru's Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a bill amending Criminal Code to punish street harassment with the aim to protect children and women.
The announcement was made by the newly-appointed Prime Minister, Ana María Jara, who expressed confidence that Congress will approve this initiative soon, as it is a "citizen outcry" intended to correct legislative omission.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations of Peru, María del Carmen Omonte, explained the bill amends sections 176 and 176-A of the Criminal Code to make street harassment a crime.
These statements were made in a press conference after the 226th session of the Council of Ministers held at the Government Palace.
Street harassment is defined as any action or comment between strangers in public places that is disrespectful, unwelcome, threatening and/or harassing and is motivated by gender, sexual orientation or gender expression.
This kind of "violence" is a widespread problem in Peru, especially in the country's capital Lima. According to a study carried out by women’s rights NGO Manuela Ramos, 88.4% of all women in Lima reported having been victims of street harassment.
(END) ART/RRC/DLG/RMB
Published: 8/6/2014