Noticias

Gender-Based Violence in Bolivia: Trends, Data, and Structural Challenges Gender-based violence (GBV) in Bolivia remains a deeply rooted structural issue affecting girls, adolescents, and women, reflecting persistent inequalities. Harmful gender norms continue to normalize violence within families and communities, while institutional responses face ongoing challenges, including limited intersectoral coordination, gaps in policy implementation, and constraints in public resource allocation.[1].

Recent data from the Public Prosecutor’s Office report more than 46,000 cases of violence in 2025, primarily linked to domestic and family violence[2], with an average of over 120 cases reported daily under Law No. 348, the Comprehensive Law to Guarantee Women a Life Free from Violence.[3].

However, these figures do not capture the full scale of the problem. Underreporting remains significant, driven by barriers to accessing justice, the normalization of violence, and its persistence within private and family settings. It is estimated that approximately 900,000 women in Bolivia have experienced gender-based violence.[4].

GBV also affects certain groups disproportionately. Girls and adolescents face high levels of sexual violence, often occurring in close or trusted environments, which further discourages reporting. Indigenous girls and those living in rural areas are at heightened risk due to overlapping territorial, economic, and cultural inequalities. In addition, children with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing protection services, as highlighted by international organizations.[5].

In recent years, violence has also evolved in form. The digital environment has become an increasingly prominent space where harassment, exploitation, and sexual violence occur—particularly affecting adolescents and creating new risks for child protection.[6].

Addressing this context requires a comprehensive and sustained response. This includes strengthening prevention efforts, improving institutional response mechanisms, and promoting the transformation of harmful social norms. It also requires consolidating child protection systems, ensuring the effective implementation of public policies, investing in prevention services, and promoting gender-equitable relationships through education and community engagement. Only through such integrated efforts can safe, violence-free environments for girls, adolescents, and women be achieved.

[1] Coordinadora de la Mujer (Observatorio de Género). Análisis sobre implementación y brechas estructurales. https://www.coordinadoradelamujer.org.bo/observatorio/

[2] https://www.fiscalia.gob.bo/estadisticas/delitos-de-la-ley-348/delitos-de-la-ley-348-datos-anuales-2025-31-12-2025

[3] https://www.opinion.com.bo/articulo/policial/bolivia-registra-promedio-127-denuncias-diarias-violencia-marco-ley-348/20251219000043985659

[4] https://bolivia.unfpa.org/es/news/aproximadamente-900-mil-mujeres-entre-15-y-49-a%C3%B1os-en-bolivia-son-sobrevivientes-de-violencia

[5] https://www.ohchr.org/es/documents/concluding-observations/cedawcbolco7-concluding-observations-seventh-periodic-report

[6] Save the Children (2024). Navegando entre riesgos invisibles y oportunidades reales. https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/es/document/navegando-entre-riesgos-invisibles-y-oportunidades-reales-ninas-ninos-y-adolescentes-en-el-entorno-digital