How do rape myths impact the delivery of Peruvian justice? A qualitative study of judicial opinions in rape cases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58238/igal.v4i2.92Keywords:
rape myths, gender stereotypes, Peru, Judges, discriminationAbstract
Through thematic and critical discourse analysis of 18 judicial opinions in rape cases issued by the Peruvian Judiciary from 2015 to 2020, this study examines if and how rape myths and gender stereotypes influence the delivery of justice in Peru. The work focuses on rape cases involving female victim-survivors over the age of 14. Findings show rape myths and gender stereotypes continue to inform how judges interpret legal provisions, assess the evidence, and construct facts. The main implications include the need to strengthen judges’ role not only in avoiding the use of rape myths, but in actively challenging them, to ensure victim-survivors’ equal access to justice.
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