Femicides Sound Alarms in Panama After Samaria Crime

A recent femicide in Samaria, Panama, has once again amplified alarms among women's rights organizations and advocates, highlighting a troubling increase in such crimes across the nation. The victim, a woman around 52 years old, had reportedly traveled from the interior to visit her son when she was allegedly murdered by her 44-year-old partner.

The Public Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, while the alleged perpetrator has voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Lawyer Suky Yard emphasized the urgent need for increased societal awareness regarding violence against women. "I feel we are still a bit disconnected. I believe the recent cases send a clear message that it's not enough to just talk every time something happens. What we must begin to do is truly become aware of the problem we have as a country and focus on the work of properly organized organizations, without excluding any," she stated.

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I feel we are still a bit disconnected. I believe the recent cases send a clear message that it's not enough to just talk every time something happens. What we must begin to do is truly become aware of the problem we have as a country and focus on the work of properly organized organizations, without excluding any.

Official statistics reveal that 11 femicides and 13 attempted cases have been recorded nationwide this year. Psychologist and family expert César Pérez suggested that these violent acts also stem from emotional and developmental issues within the family environment. "We also have to analyze the perpetrator. Most perpetrators do not know how to manage emotions; they haven't learned to control abandonment since childhood. If this is not controlled, it leads to low self-esteem, and that self-esteem makes them aggressive towards the person abandoning them," he explained.

Experts believe that increasing prison sentences alone is not a definitive solution. They advocate for public policies focused on prevention, attention, and protection for vulnerable women. Provinces such as Chiriquí, Panamá, Panamá Oeste, and Veraguas are reportedly among those with the highest incidence of femicides in the country.

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We also have to analyze the perpetrator. Most perpetrators do not know how to manage emotions; they haven't learned to control abandonment since childhood. If this is not controlled, it leads to low self-esteem, and that self-esteem makes them aggressive towards the person abandoning them.