Panama criminalizes psychological violence with prison sentences

Psychological violence is now a criminal offense in Panama, carrying potential prison sentences of five to eight years. Law 517, enacted on April 15, 2026, amends Article 138 of the Penal Code to enhance protections for mental health and individual dignity. The law's increased relevance comes in the wake of numerous incidents of harassment and violence that have surfaced on social media platforms. Lawyer Elvis Valdez emphasized that the law safeguards everyone, including children, adolescents, women, men, and the elderly, against actions that undermine their psychological well-being. The Public Ministry, specifically the Prosecutor's Office for Crimes Against Life and Personal Integrity, handles investigations into psychological violence, distinct from domestic violence cases managed by family prosecutor's offices. Valdez clarified that psychological violence involves intimidation or coercion. Behaviors constituting this offense include threats, intimidation, blackmail, stalking, harassment, forcing actions against one's will, humiliation, degradation, and isolation, among others that negatively impact a victim's emotional stability. Penalties can be increased by one-third to one-half of the maximum sentence if a victim suffers proven psychological damage as a result of the aggression. Authorities stress that psychological violence should not be minimized or normalized, as it violates fundamental human rights and carries legal consequences for perpetrators.