Panamá Oeste leads in femicides; calls for stronger protection measures

The province of Panamá Oeste has the highest number of femicides in the country, with 12 cases reported this year, surpassing the eight cases recorded during the same period in the previous year, according to statistics from the Ministry of Women.

In response to this alarming trend, women residing in the province emphasize the need to strengthen protection measures and ensure more effective application of laws against domestic violence and femicide. "What's the point of arresting a batterer or a rapist if he's free in a month or two? I've seen it. That's where justice has to act," questioned Ruby Vega, a resident of Panamá Oeste.

María Vega added that the protection orders issued to victims must be more rigorous and focused on preventing cases of violence from escalating into more serious crimes. The Ministry of Women acknowledges these concerns and is actively working on solutions.

Minister of Women Niurka Palacio explained that a technical commission is developing a strategy to implement the use of electronic bracelets. This initiative is part of a broader inter-institutional rapid response plan. "We are confident that we will lower the figures by December," Palacio stated, expressing optimism about the impact of these new measures.