Please consult Responses to Information Requests CHL24664.E of 18 July 1996 and CHL24163.E of 27 June 1996 for information on the services available to female victims of domestic violence and the activities of the National Women's Service (SERNAM). For information on whether a woman can obtain a restraining order in Chile, please consult Response to Information Request CHL 26112.E of 13 January 1997 and for information on Chile's legislation on family violence, please consult Response to Information Request CHL25379.E of 13 December 1996.

The three attached media reports state that Chile has made positive steps in protecting women from domestic violence (IPS 21 Feb. 1997; ibid., 8 May 1996; UPI 6 Feb. 1995). The 8 May 1996 IPS article states that the 1995 law on domestic violence passed in Chile was instrumental in protecting women, while the 6 February 1995 UPI articles states that Chile had signed the Inter-American Convention to Prevent, Punish and Eradicate Violence against Women.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Inter Press Service (IPS). 21 February 1997. Zoraida Portillo. "Latin America-Democracy: Jurists Find Andean Democracy in Peril." (NEXIS)

_____. 8 May 1996. Gabriel Canihuante. "Chile-Children: Child Abuse — New Attention to an Old Problem." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 6 February 1995. BC Cycle. "Treaty Addresses Violence Against Women." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service (IPS). 21 February 1997. Zoraida Portillo. "Latin America-Democracy: Jurists Find Andean Democracy in Peril." (NEXIS)

_____. 8 May 1996. Gabriel Canihuante. "Chile-Children: Child Abuse — New Attention to an Old Problem." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 6 February 1995. BC Cycle. "Treaty Addresses Violence Against Women." (NEXIS)

Andean Newsletter [Lima]. 1996-1997.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1996. 1997.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports. 1996-1997.

Internet.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. 1996-1997.

Latin American Weekly Report [London]. 1996-1997.