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Latin America
First survivor chapter for women with disabilities launches in Peru
Peru, January, 2026 — For the first time in Peru, women with disabilities are leading a dedicated group for survivors of violence – led by survivor leader Luz María.
When she was a teenager, a taxi driver attempted to sexually assault Luz María while helping her into his car. She did not tell anyone, not even her family, because she felt ashamed, afraid, and did not fully understand what had happened. That silence weighed on her for years.
Until one day, in 2023, Luz María decided to join IJM-supported survivor network Libres para Servir (Free to Serve) and found the community she had long wished for. “It felt like finding a family,” she says.
Libres para Servir is a national network of survivors advocating for a stronger justice system and greater protection from violence for women and children.
Inspired and energised, Luz María then helped establish the first Lima Chapter for Women with Disabilities, serving as its president. This group is the first of its kind in the country, created to confront the unique risks and barriers faced by women with disabilities.
The chapter already gathers more than 25 women, offering safe spaces for them to share their experiences and learn about the resources available to support them.
“My dream is that all women with disabilities in Peru feel protected and valued,” shares Luz María.
The group also focuses on raising awareness among justice officials to ensure survivors are heard and their rights respected. “We are often ignored, or people do not take our complaints seriously,” Luz María explains. The group’s advocacy plan includes meetings with government ministries, public awareness campaigns, and developing proposals to address the needs of women with disabilities.
This milestone signals a powerful new chapter for Peru: one where survivors with disabilities lead the movement for protection, justice, and change – supported by long-term partnerships and a growing network of survivor leaders.
Learn more about how survivors and IJM are confronting violence against women and children. Their courage is paving the way for lasting change.
