Authorities in Puerto Rico have declared a state of emergency due to the high levels of gender-based violence, which is disproportionately affecting trans people and women.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the country will be in a state of emergency until 30 June 2022, meaning tackling anti-LGBTQ+ and gender-based violence will be a government priority over the course of the next year, with monthly reports tracking the progress made.
Governor Pedro R Pierluisi said: “All violence is repudiable, and we have to fight it relentlessly. Gender-based violence is a social evil, based on ignorance and attitudes that cannot have space or tolerance in the Puerto Rico we aspire to.