IJM Peru Turned Two, And Here Are Five Achievements We Are Celebrating
Violence Against Women & Children
As IJM Peru celebrates its second anniversary, we reflect on the progress we've made together in the fight against violence towards women and children. We are deeply grateful for your support, which has directly contributed to the lives of many women and children. To mark this milestone, we want to share with you five key achievements:
1. We built strong alliances with organizations like Paz y Esperanza and Kids Alive
Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope) ), is a peacebuilding and human rights organization focused on helping individuals, families and communities in poverty live with dignity and free from violence and injustice. Today, the organization is serving people in seven Latin American countries. Kids Alive is an international NGO with over 30 years of experience supporting Peruvian children living in vulnerable conditions. Taking advantage of the experience of organizations with decades of work in human rights, these collaborations are helping expand the reach of the activity to more children and women affected by violence.
In 2023, IJM Peru and Paz y Esperanza hosted the “More than Conquerors” retreat for child survivors of sexual violence.
2. We launched the National Network of Survivors ‘Libres para servir’
Libres para Servir (Free to Serve) was born from the integration of four local survivor networks from Peru—in Lima, the Amazon and the Andean region. Although they live across the entire country, they are united by their desire to amplify their voices to influence the authorities and the justice system, promote a culture of respect for women and children, prevent sexual violence and support the recovery of individuals who have experienced what they have did in the past. In 2024, IJM provided ongoing training to all the chapters to strengthen their leadership abilities to better serve their communities and create a meaningful impact.
On the left members of Libres para Servir's chapter in Lima for women with disabilities and on the right members from the chapter in Pucallpa, the Amazon region in Peru.
3. We implemented a judicial counselors project and trained over 100 community leaders
In Peru's most vulnerable regions, the Judicial Advisors program is empowering women leaders to bridge the gap between justice and those in need. In collaboration with Peru’s Judiciary, over 100 women were trained in 2024 to guide and support their communities through complex legal processes, advocate for justice, and address violence affecting women and children. These community leaders play a crucial role in facilitating access to justice by helping victims understand and navigate legal processes, promoting peaceful conflict resolution and strengthening citizens' confidence in institutions.
Over 100 women from regions like San Martín, Madre de Dios, Cerro de Pasco, and Junín participated in the training.
4. We inaugurated child-friendly spaces in five police stations
These five police stations in Lima are equipped with toys, books, paper to paint, comfortable furniture and decorations that create a safe and friendly environment. These spaces help children who, in addition to facing situations of violence, often endure long hours of waiting in inadequate conditions. The new spaces not only aim to provide a safe and comforting place but also ensure that victims receive trauma-informed care during moments of high vulnerability, helping to mitigate the emotional and psychological impact of their traumatic experiences.
The inauguration of the waiting rooms at police stations in Lima, Perú in March 2024.
5. We trained over 700 police officers through initiatives like “Police in Childhood Mode” and “Police in Woman Mode”
To improve the care and attention of children and teenagers, the Peruvian Police Division for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (DIVIPNA), together with IJM Peru, conducted a series of workshops in several cities across the country to train 28 officers, who then conducted sessions with their peers and trained over 700 police officers in Huánuco, Pucallpa, and Lima. Initiatives like this one continue to enhance the capability of police officers to protect and provide sensitive care for children and adolescents who are seeking help at police stations.
Through different interactive and engaging activities, participants of “Police in Childhood Mode” learned how to implement the "Guidelines for the Care of Children and Adolescents in Police Stations."
It is through your generosity, advocacy and ongoing partnership that we have reached these incredible milestones, laying a strong foundation for the protection of women and children. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are excited about the progress we will continue to make together as we work to end violence against women and children.