Edgardo has dedicated his life to fighting for justice since the brutal murder of his daughter, Carolina, in 1996. At just 17 years old, Carolina became a victim of domestic violence when her boyfriend, Fabián Tablado, killed her by stabbing her 113 times. This horrific crime galvanized Edgardo into action, leading him on a relentless campaign to change Argentina's legal framework regarding femicide. However, under the government of President Javier Milei, recent proposals threaten to roll back these hard-fought protections.
The tragedy of Carolina's death highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms in Argentina. For nearly two decades, Edgardo tirelessly advocated for the recognition of femicide as an aggravating factor in homicide cases. His efforts culminated in 2012 when the Argentine government amended its penal code to recognize femicide, which allowed for harsher penalties—including life imprisonment—for those convicted of killing women due to their gender.
Edgardo’s testimony proved pivotal during this campaign. His personal account of loss resonated with lawmakers and the public alike, underscoring the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families and communities. As a result, the new law aimed to provide greater protection for women and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
However, recent developments have raised alarm among advocates and survivors of domestic violence. President Milei's administration is now seeking to eliminate the term "femicide" from the penal code altogether. Government officials contend that the concept distorts the idea of equality and undermines the legal framework surrounding homicide. Critics argue that this move could significantly weaken protections for women and send a dangerous message about the seriousness of violence against them.
Moreover, the government's proposed changes extend beyond simply removing femicide from the legal lexicon. They have also introduced new regulations that reduce the length of support services for victims of gender-based violence from six months to just three. Additionally, applicants seeking assistance must now provide a police report confirming their situation, a requirement that many believe could deter victims from coming forward due to fear of retaliation or lack of access to law enforcement.
Statistics reveal the ongoing crisis of femicide in Argentina. From January 1 to November 15, 2024, there were 252 reported cases of femicide, with two-thirds of victims murdered in their own homes. Alarmingly, 84% of these victims were killed by someone with whom they had a previous relationship. These figures illustrate a pervasive cycle of violence that many fear will only worsen if legal protections are diminished.
Edgardo continues to carry the weight of his daughter's memory with him every day. He keeps an anti-panic button in his pocket, a precautionary measure born from his deep-seated fear for the safety of other women. His commitment to advocating for stronger laws against gender-based violence remains steadfast, even in the face of potential regression in legal protections.
