Social justice challenges highlighted in Argentina and Chile

In Argentina, a recent interview involving actress Romina Gaetani and host Mirtha Legrand has sparked debate regarding gender violence stereotypes. Gaetani recounted experiences of violence involving businessman Luis Cavanagh, which led to judicial protection measures. The controversy arose when Legrand responded to Gaetani’s account with the phrase “Vos sos brava” (You are tough), a comment critics argue reinforces the harmful idea that a woman’s personality or strength can make her responsible for the violence she receives.

In Chile, the conviction of José Pablo Peñafiel Ossandón—known as the “violador de la imprenta”—for the sexual abuse of deaf women has highlighted systemic barriers within the justice system. The case underscores the difficulties the deaf community faces in accessing legal processes in their own language. This issue is further complicated by the ongoing investigation into the death of activist Camila Villavicencio, whose family has reported severe difficulties in participating in legal proceedings due to linguistic barriers.