Women in Argentina are experiencing a sharp increase in gender-based violence, according to human rights organisations, as President Javier Milei's government slashes funding for critical support services.
Activists report that shelters and hotlines for victims of domestic abuse have been overwhelmed since Milei took office, with many facing closure due to drastic budget reductions. "We're seeing more women turned away from shelters, more cases going unreported," said Lucia Perez, director of the National Women's Network.
Impact of Austerity Measures
Milei's controversial economic reforms have:
- Cut funding to gender violence prevention programmes by 60%
- Eliminated the Ministry of Women, Genders and Diversity
- Reduced support for legal aid services
Police data shows a 22% year-on-year increase in femicide reports, while crisis centres report a 40% rise in calls since January.
Government Response
The administration maintains that decentralising services will improve efficiency. "Local governments are better placed to handle these issues," stated a presidential spokesperson.
However, women's rights groups counter that provincial authorities lack both funding and expertise to manage the crisis effectively.
International Concern
The UN has expressed alarm at the deteriorating situation, calling on Argentina to uphold its commitments under international women's rights treaties.
With inflation soaring and social services collapsing, activists fear the worst is yet to come for Argentina's most vulnerable women.
