The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for their breathtaking biodiversity. They are currently experiencing a shadow epidemic of gender-based violence that is in harsh reality juxtaposed with the moniker they’ve earned as one of the last great wildlife refuges. To a population of roughly 33,000 permanent residents. They are continuing to struggle with horrific rates of violence against women and girls, and thousands of unreported cases of child trafficking.
The islands, even with the protection of a national park, have seen more than 100 instances of gender-based violence documented since 2020. We’re deployed a dedicated team of volunteers from Magma to begin actively helping victims. The reality is bleak. Gender violence makes up 25% of all reported crimes in the Galápagos. When just 5% of sexual violence cases result in a conviction, it calls into question the effectiveness of the justice system.
For these crimes, the challenges to resolution loom large. There are not enough forensic labs for emergency evidence collection, and survivors do not have access to shelters and safe havens. Prosecutors from outside mainland Ecuador are sent to serve for short, fixed periods. This results in costly backlogs that slow case processing to a crawl and frequently results in charges being dropped altogether.
“There’s a systematic problem with the police and prosecutor’s office,” said Albert de la Huerta, highlighting how the rapid turnover of staff due to strict residency limits for public officials hinders justice efforts. He explained that often by the time that prosecutors get to know the local scene, they have usually moved on.
The UN’s 2019 report underscored the pressing issue of gender violence in the Galápagos, stating there exists an “obvious tension between the image projected of the Galápagos as a destination … with an emphasis on nature conservation … versus the socioeconomic barriers and needs experienced by its inhabitants, particularly women.” This juxtaposition begs a larger question about where resources are being prioritized on the islands.
Courts routinely prioritize environmental offenses over preventing or prosecuting gender-based violence. This gap perpetuates a culture of silence on these unseen but vital issues. “There are so many girls that don’t speak out because they fear the violence they will face for doing so,” explained Torres, a local advocate for victims.
This absence of support systems only heightens the climate of fear and stigma that surrounds gender-based violence. A teenage girl shared her experience: “I don’t want other girls to be afraid to report abuse. I would stay and fight, but this community is very toxic.” Her sentiments are shared by countless others who have been left to languish in a cycle of fear and depletion.
Not only does this contribute to high levels of gender-based violence, the islands have been dubbed one of Latin America’s most egregious hotspots for child trafficking. Those occurrences become unseen cases, often covered by societal stigma and lack of rapport or trust in law enforcement. This move has been very detrimental to the safety of women and children across the islands, adding to an already bleak safety situation.
When they finally do gain an understanding of the islands, they’re gone. I think it’s set up that way because everyone wants to protect the image of the Galápagos,” de la Huerta added, expressing frustration over the lack of long-term solutions.
Even as Magma makes strides in equipping and supporting victims, a lack of basic infrastructure—even something as fundamental as a forensic lab—still poses an enormous challenge. Initiatives addressing human rights violations lag far behind.
“We want the girls to come home, but not until justice has been served and their attacker is behind bars.” – Torres
The ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in the Galápagos Islands call for immediate attention from local authorities and international organizations alike. Advocates like Melanie Thompson are making sure that there are solid systems in place to keep victims safe and prosecute offenders. Without these moves, the islands will be trapped in this shallow quicksand.