And 16 Days of Activism has also been observed internationally for over 30 years.
So in addition to reaffirming the commitment to the CRC, the minister also spoke about their continuous advocacy over the years for 16 days of activism against gender based violence. Balderamos says that they have and continue to make a difference with their support.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development
"Tangible, it's hard to say you know it's hard to say whether it is absolutely tangible that you could touch and feel it but I believe I really do believe that the awareness has grown. The awareness has grown significantly and you know I want to talk about two or three cases that have come up recently even during the 16 days of activism we do still have abuse we do still have people going to the police and saying I want to make this report and I want to say this not because a woman might make a report and say to the police I don't want further action I am making this report for future reference I don't think we should ever condemn a victim of any for of gender based abuse. I don't think we should condemn a victim for saying I don't want further action because the fact and it's mostly women the fact that she made a police report shows there is not the silence and the hiding when it comes to what is wrong so even though she may later say to the police or to the court that she doesn't want further action I think it is important for us to still offer that support. Many times because of children because of situations because of dependency etc a victim of domestic abuse may not want to leave the relationship right away."