After the latest events that occurred with the young woman who was burned alive by her ex-partner in Plaza Dos de Mayo and after she died as a result of the serious injuries left by the attack; The Minister for Women spoke out mentioning that “Young women must be careful with the people they get involved with” and that “They must choose well who to be with” without taking into account the gender violence that exists in the country.

All kinds of phrases are expressed around this type of situation, for this reason, Bienestar of El Comercio spoke with Antonella Galli, a psychologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, who will help us analyze these types of situations in depth.

“We are surrounded by messages that justify psychological and physical violence against women and they start when we hear the songs, songs that minimize women or justify dominant or intimidating actions towards them. Sometimes macho style phrases are heard, minimizing the actions of the aggressor”, explains the psychologist.

Phrases of revictimization to which we must pay attention

These are some phrases that are heard or can be read on social networks every time a femicide occurs in the country, which only revictimize the situation that the woman has gone through.

1. “Young girls have to be careful who they get involved with”
2. “She was poorly dressed, she had a miniskirt and a large neckline, she should not have presented herself like that”
3. “She asked for it. Why was she alone on the street so late at night?”
4. “Why did she just file the complaint? I don’t think it’s true if she barely spoke”
5. “Why did she stay close to the one who attacked her?”
6. “They were not in a relationship? How is it sexual abuse?

“Throughout the years, women have had to fight for equal rights, mutual respect and appreciation, in different social aspects. It is important, then, that women also support other women instead of diminishing or minimizing them, it is important that they defend the fact that no person should attack or try to harm another woman. And the person responsible for that damage is simply the perpetrator”, adds Galli.

What should a woman do if she finds herself experiencing domestic violence?

According to the specialist, the reality is that if a woman has been psychologically abused or physically manipulated, what should be done, instead of saying the aforementioned phrases, is:

• File a complaint for physical assault and/or psychological assault to the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations: Many are afraid to do so for fear of the consequences, having children and/or dependents, shame and distrust in the authorities, and circles. However, it is important to look for spaces where they feel safe and encourage them to report this type of situation.
• Seek psychological guidance: Those who work as mental health professionals are key for them to take the first step, but, above all, to sustain the process of requesting help over time.
• Surround yourself with people who give support: If you hear messages where the attacker’s action is justified, then it is better to stay away from these types of people. Approach those who will encourage you to exercise your right to make a complaint and that this does not happen again.

“One cannot live life distrusting everything, everyone at all times and not being able to have the confidence to meet someone, have a new friendship or dress in such a way that one likes it, it has to end, this cannot justify any aggression towards women or saying that it is her responsibility in her actions when the only one responsible will always be the aggressor”, concludes Galli.

Remember, if you are a victim of violence or know someone who suffers from it, you can call Linea 100 for free, to receive comprehensive advice to help you act appropriately in a case of gender violence. This public service is open from Monday to Sunday (including holidays), 24 hours a day from any landline, public telephone or mobile. In addition, it has an online chat that is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 10:00pm.

Dr. Antonella Galli
Psychologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma

Source: elcomercio.pe