Honors Theses
Advisor
Dr. Miranda Hallett, Director of the Human Rights Studies Program
Department
Human Rights Studies
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the ways women in El Salvador are subjected to genderbased violence (GBV), including domestic violence, reproductive violence, economic violence, and marital rape. It examines the institutional social and political conditions that shape women’s experiences with violence, with particular attention to recent policy changes under the Bukele administration. Through literature and media analysis, as well as interviews with activists, researchers, solidarity groups, and human rights organizations, this research explores how shifts in government policy and institutional practices have impacted protections and resources available to women facing GBV. In addition to examining legal frameworks, this thesis highlights the obstacles women encounter when seeking justice, safety, and support. By centering both institutional analysis and the perspectives of in-country experts and advocates, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the realities of GBV in El Salvador and contribute to broader discussions surrounding human rights, migration, and gender inequality in Central America.
Permission Statement
This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.
Keywords
Undergraduate research
eCommons Citation
McLean, Maison E., "Gender-Based Violence in El Salvador: The Role of Political Developments and the Impact on the Rights of Salvadoran Women" (2026). Honors Theses. 515.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/515
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