Ecuador: domestic violence
Information for UK nationals in Ecuador if you are a victim of domestic violence and need emergency assistance.
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Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of gender, nationality, age or social background, and is not limited to acts of physical violence. It can include a range of other abusive behaviours such as psychological, sexual, emotional, verbal or financial.
Ecuador’s 2008 Constitution states that everyone has the right to personal integrity and to live a life free of violence.A Smartphone App (Junt@s) and the Free Line 182 have been implemented for guidance on gender violence. Call 911 emergency number for immediate assistance.
Approach the nearest UPC (Community Police Unit) in your neighborhood to request the activation of a “security warning button” (botón de seguridad), through your mobile number and home address.
During COVID-19 sanitary emergency, Ecuador has experienced an increase of domestic abuse cases. The local authorities have therefore implemented an online report system for victims to get immediate assistance through the ‘Fiscalía’ (Prosecutor Office).
To report domestic abuse to the police, you can also dial 1800-delitos (335486) followed by option 4.
The British Embassy takes any report on domestic violence seriously. Our staff will be polite, patient, sensitive and non-judgmental. Although the British Embassy cannot represent you legally or give legal advice, we can accompany you during this process, by helping you to get guidance from a competent authority or support agency (medical procedures, local police report, protection measures, counselling, etc) and help you contact friends and family, if you wish.
Last updated 10 August 2020 + show all updates
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Updated version - August 2020
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First published.