BRIEFS. National

March highlights male domestic abuse issues

A group of men from Chepo used the celebration of the Día de la Madre to raise awareness of the issue of male domestic abuse.

Dozens of men dressed in white with white flags and scarves participated in a procession of 23 cars that formed a convoy that paraded through the streets of the community.

The caravan departed from the Youth Recreation Center and was headed by the town´s mayor, Raúl Acevedo.

"I have not been a victim of abuse, but I am here in a show of solidarity with the men who feel mistreated by their wives," he said.

As the line of cars moved past, several onlookers watched in amazement.

"What kind of world is this when men cry when women hit them?" asked one spectator as a banner with the words, "No to the abuse of men" was carried by.

Francisco Cortéz, one of the march´s organizers, said the group decided to speak publicly because they are tired of being ill-treated.

"Women are going to dances, and they lock us out of our homes, and we are not respected," he said.