We want action not words against violence, Dominican women tell Medina

Santo Domingo.- Dozens of women representing over 20 women’s organizations staged a march on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Non-Violence against Women.

The marchers set off 10:15am from Independencia Park and concluded at the National Palace, where they delivered a document to president Danilo Medina with their concerns, complaints and recommendations to confront violence against, women which they consider has reached an extreme in the country.

“Dominican women face many obstacles and difficulties in compliance of our human rights in keeping… with the Dominican Constitution, regarding equality, personal integrity and freedom from violence," says the document delivered to the National Palace.

They call the State’s response to deal with violence against women of all ages “ineffective.”

The women also ask Medina to veto the bill which amends the Criminal Code, because in their view, violates the human rights of women, especially their life and health. "Mr. President, we don’t want speeches, we don’t want words, we want action against violence and the absolute decriminalization of abortion now."