Murders on the Rise in
Colombia
BOGOTA - The number of homicides increased
roughly by 16 percent last year in Colombia
where family violence leaves 10 wounded
every hour, according to an institutional
report.
The Forensis Report, published by the Legal
Medicine Institute (LMI), reveals that
17,717 murders were reported last year as
compared to 15,250 in 2008.
A total of 29,433 persons died in Colombia
in 2009 by crimes, accidents or suicides.
Among the victims 16,194 were men.
For every two women killed 8 men are
murdered, the LMI report shows, warning that
there will be an increase of domestic
violence.
One out of three persons who reported it was
the victim of violence knew the assailant.
It was either a family member, a close
friend, or an acquaintance. These cases
totaled 94,000, according to the report.
Sexual abuse against women also increased in
the past few years in Colombia. In 2008,
there were 15,894 reported cases.
The study covers a period that goes from
2004 to 2008 and was based on information
supplied by eight regional offices and 25
sectorial or basic units of the forensic
institution.
According to the source, a total of 73,395
women were the target of sexual abuse during
this period and 40 percent of the attacks
was at home.
It further reveals that 37 percent of
victims was beaten by family members, step
fathers, fathers, uncles, cousins or
brothers. The latter represents two percent
of the violence registered. |
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