First Published Jun 10, 2022, 9:24 PM IST
Those involved in sexual harassment face legal action depending on the seriousness of their crime. However, those who have been convicted of such crimes often fall back into similar cases (Sexual Harassment). Human rights activists and others have called for greater awareness among perpetrators on such issues to avoid this situation.
One such exemplary project has been underway in Ecuador for the past twelve years. According to official figures, 65 percent of girls and women between the ages of 14 and 49 are victims of violence in Ecuador. Similarly, criminals face legal action.
Ecuador is at the forefront of many cases of femicide being committed outside the realm of women just because they are women. Women’s organizations say the figures are far more than official figures.
It is also noteworthy that the perpetrators of violence against women are often their partners. There is a men’s club that brings male offenders caught in such crimes back to life by convincing them of their guilt.
The club, which has been in operation since 2010, is still thriving. It is the court that prescribes counseling and therapy to many of the offenders. Some even come here for their own interests. The 20-day course is offered by the club. One session per week.
Roberto Moncaio, the club’s coordinator, said none of those who had completed the course from the club had been involved in similar cases. What is done here is to make people think of the culprits, make them feel those thoughts and slowly redirect life itself into it.
Thirty-four-year-old man abuses his girlfriend for being with someone else. He says he felt nothing but anger at the time and attacked them in that rage. At the men’s club, he says he now realizes his mistake and is ashamed to do so.
In this way, the club offers treatment that changes the psychology of the criminals. The club has people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Here you can see many of those who initially attended the sessions uninterested and later came to the sessions with great enthusiasm and dedication. The course covers exercise, communication, classes in various subjects, therapy and counseling.
‘We are forcing ourselves. How we interact in society. To explore what I do in the family, what I do at work, and what I do in the community. To evaluate yourself. At the same time it finds out how violence is formed, what causes it, and how it changes relationships. It’s important for everyone to get out of this and into patience and love … ‘says Roberto Moncayo.
Ignorance and frustration on such issues is often cited as the biggest reason for the increase in sexual offenses. This men’s club in Ecuador mainly addresses this ignorance and frustration. It can be said to be exemplary for some reason.
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Last Updated Jun 10, 2022, 9:24 PM IST
