By: Garland M. Baker B.
Exclusive to A.M. Costa Rica
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The inequities in Costa Rica's family laws are in large part the fault of men. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence, where men now have little or no rights. Women are now in control in this country, and they know it. Some find expeditious ways of doing in their male companion.
Cases of violence by women on men are usually not reported to the authorities because of fear by men to be labeled as weak. In Costa Rican culture — as in many other cultures — admitting to being victimized by a woman means a man has lost his maleness, his superiority over women.
The fact that men do not protect themselves via this law has created a trap for them as well. By not reporting abusive females, men have set the precedent that women are victims and men are abusers by default, which has in turn given a legal advantage to women.
Due to an increase in family legislation in Costa Rica aimed to protect women, Ticas are now taking advantage of the sexism in the legal system. Which allows them to get away with and profit from cruel lies about their male counterparts.
