Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

https://doi.org/10.62574/zg6j8j74

Critical analysis of ecuadorian legislation on domestic violence: Challenges and

Contradictions

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos

y contradicciones

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

daormazaa@ucacue.edu.ec

Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3492-0943

ABSTRACT

Through this analysis, the relevant Ecuadorian legal provisions will be critically examined,

identifying their notable achievements, possible shortcomings and challenges in practical

implementation, with the aim of analysing domestic violence in Ecuadorian legislation. The

comprehensive exploration of the topic of study is guided by a descriptive documentary type.

Ecuadorian legislation, based on its constitutional principles, has made a clear commitment to the

protection of fundamental rights, especially in the fight against gender-based violence. However,

when we analyse the criminalisation of physical violence, ambiguities and contradictions emerge

that challenge the effectiveness of this legal framework.

Descriptors: parent child relationship; domestic violence; gender-based violence. (Source:

UNESCO Thesaurus).

RESUMEN

A través de este análisis, se examinarán críticamente las disposiciones legales ecuatorianas

pertinentes, identificando sus logros notables, posibles deficiencias y los desafíos en la

implementación práctica, mediante el objetivo de analizar la violencia intrafamiliar en la

legislación ecuatoriana. La exploración exhaustiva del tema de estudio se rige por un tipo

descriptivo documental. La legislación ecuatoriana, fundamentada en sus principios

constitucionales, ha marcado un compromiso claro con la protección de los derechos

fundamentales, especialmente en la lucha contra la violencia de género. Sin embargo, al

adentrarnos en el análisis de la tipificación de la violencia física, emergen ambigüedades y

contradicciones que desafían la efectividad de este marco legal.

Descriptores: relación padres-hijos; violencia doméstica; violencia de género. (Fuente: Tesauro

UNESCO).

Recibido: 13/09/2023. Revisado: 14/10/2023. Aprobado: 03/11/2023. Publicado: 01/01/2024.

Sección artículos de investigación

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

INTRODUCTION

Domestic violence, a disturbing phenomenon that undermines the integrity of the

most intimate spaces (Rodríguez-Tapia, et al. 2021), has been a persistent and

complex issue in all societies, and Ecuador is no exception (Ortega-Pérez, &

Peraza-de-Aparicio, 2021). This scientific article dives into the intricate labyrinth

of Ecuadorian legislation addressing violence within the family setting, with the

purpose of shedding light on the legal structures, their advances and limitations,

and the effectiveness of their application in the protection and prevention of

domestic violence.

In the last decade, global awareness of the magnitude of domestic violence has

grown exponentially, prompting nations to review and strengthen their legal

frameworks to address this scourge. Ecuador, committed to the protection of

human rights and the eradication of gender-based violence, has enacted

significant legislation that attempts to address this social challenge (Lara-Tello,

2020). However, the actual effectiveness of these measures and their ability to

address the complexity of domestic violence are crucial questions that deserve

detailed investigation.

Domestic violence stands as an integral transgression aimed at undermining the

dignity of the victim, manifesting itself in various dimensions that include

psychological, sexual, economic and affective aspects, with detrimental

consequences for the harmony and assertive coexistence of the family nucleus

(Ortega-Pérez & Peraza-de-Aparicio, 2021). This phenomenon manifests itself

within the home, constituting any act that undermines the fundamental rights of

family members, unfolding in the most intimate sphere of family coexistence

(Mas-Camacho, et al., 2020).

The most significant impact of this form of violence is observed at the

psychological level, with consequences that last in the medium and long term for

the victims (Mayor-Walton & Salazar-Pérez, 2019). To address this problem,

public policies have implemented family training plans aimed at understanding

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

the importance of preventing domestic violence, with a particular focus on its

typification, which tends to focus on gender (women) and, secondly, on children

and adolescents (Perela-Larrosa, 2011).

However, the essence of domestic violence can be rooted in couple relationships,

where it manifests itself not only to the detriment of the gender, but also the

children, directly or indirectly, internalise non-assertive or operative models, thus

perpetuating a generational vicious circle that demands criminal classification

and consequent reparation (Creagh-Alminán, et al., 2014). In this context,

(Tupiza-Villa, 2021), adds an additional perspective by indicating that women who

suffer violence in their second home (intimate partner) have experienced violence

in their family of origin. This view suggests that the problem of domestic violence

requires a multidisciplinary approach including psychological, cultural and, of

course, legal or legislative aspects.

Through this analysis, the relevant Ecuadorian legal provisions will be critically

examined, identifying their notable achievements, possible shortcomings and

challenges in practical implementation (Lanchimba, et al. 2023), (Sabina, et al.

2023). Furthermore, it will explore how these laws have adapted to evolving

family dynamics and the different types of violence that can manifest in this

context (Pilozo, & Cedeño, 2023). A thorough understanding of current legislation

is essential in order to propose concrete recommendations that contribute to

strengthening the protection of victims and prevent the perpetuation of this

devastating phenomenon within the Ecuadorian family.

Based on the above, the aim is to analyse domestic violence in Ecuadorian

legislation.

METHOD

The choice of the methodological strategy for the in-depth exploration of the topic

of study is governed by a descriptive documentary approach, ethically supported

by a bibliographic design that is based on a meticulous and exhaustive review of

documentary material. This approach, in accordance with the ethical guidelines

proposed by (Posada-González, 2017), aims to provide a detailed and

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

comprehensive view of the topic in question, allowing a thorough interpretation of

the key elements present in the existing literature, always respecting copyright

and the integrity of the information collected.

During the development of the research, the analytical-synthetic method was

applied with the ethical aim of structuring a theoretical corpus that would enable

the systematisation of responses aligned with the objectives set out. This

methodological approach, by facilitating the detailed breakdown and analysis of

the information extracted from a population of 15 carefully selected articles, was

carried out with the utmost respect for the ethical principles of confidentiality and

anonymity. Furthermore, the synergy between analysis and synthesis provided a

deep and holistic understanding of the subject matter, allowing for a

comprehensive approach to the key aspects related to domestic violence in the

Ecuadorian legal context.

It is essential to highlight that this methodological approach, in addition to

contributing to the construction of knowledge, adheres to rigorous ethical

considerations, opening perspectives for future research and reflections in the

legal field, always maintaining integrity and respecting the fundamental ethical

principles of scientific research.

ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS

Ecuadorian legislation, in line with its constitutional principles, is at the forefront

of the protection of fundamental rights, especially with regard to the eradication

of gender-based violence. In the specific analysis of physical violence, Article 11

of the Constitution establishes equal rights for all persons, with special attention

to those in vulnerable situations, while Article 66 guarantees people a life free of

violence, thus consolidating a legal framework committed to equality and non-

discrimination.

However, as we move into the typification of physical violence, legislative

ambiguities and contradictions become evident. The Comprehensive Organic

Law for the Prevention and Eradication of Gender Violence against Women

defines physical violence in a clear and comprehensive manner, incorporating

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

various elements that go beyond obvious injuries. In this context, Ecuadorian

criminal legislation, specifically the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code

(COIP), lacks the same precision in that it does not define exhaustively the factual

assumptions that typify the conduct of physical violence.

The main controversy arises when analysing the relationship between the crime

of physical violence and the crime of injury. While Article 156 of the COIP

criminalises physical violence against women or members of the family, referring

the sanctions to the crime of injury, Article 152 of the same code deals with injuries

in a general manner, without specifically contemplating gender-based violence.

This contradiction creates a legal loophole and hinders the effective application

of the law in cases of physical violence.

It is crucial to highlight that, in addressing physical violence as a crime, there is a

dissonance with respect to its classification as a contravention under Article 159

of the COIP. This duality, based on the duration of the incapacity generated by

the injury, generates legal insecurity by considering the same act as a crime or

misdemeanour, depending on the degree of affectation.

The conceptualisation of physical violence as a contravention as well as a crime,

without clear criteria for differentiation, raises doubts about the effectiveness of

the legislation in addressing the complexity of gender-based violence. This

approach seems to overlook the systemic nature of gender-based violence, which

goes beyond physical injuries, affecting also the emotional, psychological and

moral integrity of the victims (Sabina, et al. 2023).

The discordance between Ecuadorian legislation and the international treaties

ratified by the State highlights the urgent need to review and reform regulations

to bring them into line with international standards. In this context, the analysis of

physical violence cannot be limited to the temporality of injuries, but must address

the root of the problem: cultural patterns of subordination and machismo that

perpetuate gender-based violence (Romero-Bello, & González-Blanco, 2017).

Based on the above approach, the following Documentary Categories are

proposed:

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Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

Constitutional Principles and Protection of Rights:

Article 11: Equal rights and attention to persons in vulnerable situations.

Article 66: Guarantee of a life free of violence.

Specific Legislation on Gender Violence:

Analysis of the Comprehensive Organic Law for the Prevention and Eradication

of Gender Violence against Women.

Shortcomings in the classification of physical violence:

Ambiguities and contradictions in Ecuadorian criminal legislation, focusing on the

Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP).

Controversies in the Relationship between Crimes:

Contradictions between the crime of physical violence (Art. 156 COIP) and the

crime of injury (Art. 152 COIP).

Duality in the criminalisation of physical violence:

Dissonance between the criminalisation of physical violence as an offence (Art.

156 COIP) and contravention (Art. 159 COIP).

Systemic Nature of Gender Violence:

Focus on the systemic nature of gender-based violence and its impact beyond

physical injuries.

Discordance with international treaties:

Inconsistencies between Ecuadorian legislation and international standards on

the eradication of gender-based violence.

Challenges in criminalisation and punishment:

Obstacles and problems in Ecuadorian legislation to typify and sanction physical

violence.

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

Legal Uncertainty and Effectiveness of the Legal Framework:

Lack of clarity and coherence in the regulations, generating legal uncertainty and

questioning the effectiveness of the legal framework.

Need for Comprehensive Review of Legislation:

Urgency to review and reform legislation to align it with international standards

and address the complexity of gender-based violence.

Protection of Rights and Eradication of Violence:

Reflection on the importance of comprehensive review of legislation to ensure full

protection of rights and eradication of gender-based violence.

In consideration of the proposed categories, it is a precedent that Ecuadorian

legislation faces significant challenges in the criminalisation and punishment of

physical violence. The lack of clarity and coherence in the regulations generates

legal uncertainty and calls into question the effectiveness of the legal framework

in the eradication of gender-based violence. The comprehensive revision of

legislation, considering the complexity and continuity of gender-based violence,

is an imperative need to guarantee the full protection of victims' rights and the

eradication of this problem, which is deeply rooted in Ecuadorian society.

Taking into account that the legal definition of physical violence, according to the

Comprehensive Organic Law for the Prevention and Eradication of Gender

Violence against Women, is clear and comprehensive, addressing various forms

of aggression that go beyond obvious injuries. This definition provides a solid

basis for the criminalisation of this offence in adjective criminal law.

However, a legal contradiction arises in classifying the same act as a crime and

contravention, differentiating them only by recovery times. This distinction seems

to overlook the complexity of crimes of violence against women, which, in many

cases, are not isolated events, but manifestations of an ongoing violation of

multiple fundamental human rights.

The referral of the punishment of the crime of physical violence to a blank criminal

norm, as is the case with the crime of assault and battery, creates loopholes and

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

raises questions about the adequacy of the punishment to the gravity of the crime.

This lack of specificity in the legislation could compromise the fair and effective

application of the law in cases of physical violence.

Furthermore, it highlights the need not to underestimate the seriousness of the

crime of physical violence by treating it as a mere contravention. The

consequences of this crime, which affect fundamental rights such as personal

integrity, liberty, protection of the family and even life, suggest the importance of

considering it as a crime of medium to high gravity. In this sense, the associated

penalty should reflect the seriousness of the specific circumstances of each case.

It therefore points to the urgency of legislative reform to address these

contradictions and shortcomings in the criminalisation and punishment of

physical violence. This reform must guarantee coherence in the classification of

crimes, specificity in sanctions and, above all, it must be designed to prevent and

eradicate violence against women in Ecuador. The search for justice and the

protection of victims' rights require a comprehensive and careful review of current

legislation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ecuadorian legislation, based on its constitutional principles, has made a clear

commitment to the protection of fundamental rights, especially in the fight against

gender-based violence. However, when we analyse the criminalisation of

physical violence, ambiguities and contradictions emerge that challenge the

effectiveness of this legal framework.

The Comprehensive Organic Law for the Prevention and Eradication of Gender

Violence against Women establishes a clear and comprehensive definition of

physical violence, addressing multiple forms of aggression. However, Ecuadorian

criminal legislation, in particular the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code

(COIP), lacks the same precision as it does not define in detail the factual

assumptions that typify this conduct.

The discordance between the classification of physical violence as a crime and a

contravention, based on the duration of the incapacity generated by the injury,

Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

generates legal uncertainty and raises questions about the effectiveness of the

legislation in addressing the complexity of gender-based violence. This duality

seems to overlook the systemic nature of gender-based violence, which goes

beyond physical injuries, affecting the emotional, psychological and moral

integrity of victims.

A comprehensive revision of the legislation, considering the complexity and

continuity of gender-based violence, appears as an imperative need. The

proposed documentary categories highlight the challenges and obstacles

present, from the lack of clarity in typification to the discordance with international

standards. The urgency of reforming the law is highlighted by the legal gaps that

compromise justice and the protection of victims' rights.

In this context, the conceptualisation of physical violence cannot be limited to the

temporality of injuries, but must address the root of the problem: cultural patterns

of subordination and machismo. The legislative review must go beyond the

surface and delve into the complexity of gender-based violence to guarantee the

full protection of rights and the eradication of this deep-rooted problem in

Ecuadorian society.

FUNDING

Non-monetary

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To the defenders of the rights of families.

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Verdad y Derecho

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Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

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Verdad y Derecho

Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales

Vol. 3(1), 54-64, 2024

Análisis crítico de la legislación ecuatoriana sobre violencia intrafamiliar: Desafíos y contradicciones

Critical Analysis of Ecuadorian Legislation on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Contradictions

Diego Adrián Ormaza-Ávila

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