Intimate partner violence in the Colombian Andes: An intersectional analysis of rural women’s experiences in Soracá, Colombia

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a critical public health issue that disproportionately affects women in rural areas, particularly in the Global South. This study, situated in the rural Andean region of Boyacá, Colombia, explores the life trajectories, sociodemographic characteristics, and agency of peasant women who accessed institutional mechanisms for IPV justice in the municipality of Soracá. Using a qualitative methodology, we conducted six life histories and analyzed 26 protection measures from 2021 to understand the complaint processes and their outcomes. The findings reveal that violence has been a persistent mechanism of control throughout these women's lives, significantly impacting their physical and mental health from childhood through their intimate relationships. Key factors such as interdependencies formed through childcare responsibilities and the pursuit of economic stability played a crucial role in their access to socio-legal networks and their ability to break ties with their aggressors. This study underscores the importance of integrating territorial and intersectional perspectives into the analysis of IPV, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address the unique challenges faced by rural women. The results have significant implications for social work practice, emphasizing the role of community-based support systems and the need for policies that empower women in vulnerable contexts.