The National Assembly of Panama approved a law that toughens penalties for psychological violence. The plenary session of the National Assembly passed in third debate Bill 278, an initiative that toughens sanctions for psychological violence and expands protection for women, men, and minors in Panama. The new law establishes prison sentences of five to eight years for those who commit threats, intimidation, blackmail, persecution, or harassment, as well as other behaviors that subject or humiliate the victim. Amendment to the Panamanian Penal Code. Until now, Article 138-A of the Penal Code only contemplated these sanctions when the victim was a woman. With the reform promoted by Deputy Luis Eduardo Camacho, the law expands the scope to punish psychological violence in Panama regardless of the gender or age of the person affected. Increase in penalties for proven psychological harm. The bill also states that if these behaviors cause proven psychological harm, the sentence can be increased by a third or half of the maximum provided, reinforcing the legal protection of victims. The proposal was approved with 45 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention, reflecting broad legislative support for the fight against emotional violence. An inclusive response to violence. Deputy Eduardo Camacho defended the initiative, stating that, to a lesser extent, men also suffer from violence and discrimination, but they often remain silent out of shame in a society where patriarchal patterns persist. In his opinion, psychological violence does not distinguish by gender and must be faced in an inclusive and equitable manner.
