68 gender-based killings in Argentina in first quarter, report finds

At least 68 gender-based killings took place in Argentina between January 1 and March 31, 2026, including 60 direct femicides – the intentional killing of women because of their gender – and one transfemicide, as well as seven related femicides, a report has found.

According to a report by La Casa del Encuentro’s Observatorio de Femicidios "Adriana Marisel Zambrano,” 72 percent of victims were killed in their own homes. 

The recorded crimes left 80 children without a mother, 58 percent of them minors. In 61 percent of cases, the perpetrators were current or former partners, reinforcing a consistent pattern in which gender-based violence occurs within close relationships.

Geographically, Buenos Aires Province recorded the highest number of cases in absolute terms, followed by Santa Fe Province, Santiago del Estero Province and Córdoba Province.

The report warns of the impact of the weakening of state prevention bodies and policies under President Javier Milei’s government, a development that has also raised alarm among multilateral organisations and human rights bodies.

Eight of the victims had previously filed formal complaints against their attackers, with the NGO noting institutional responses had failed to save lives. In four cases, restraining measures were in place, but inadequate monitoring allowed perpetrators to breach court orders despite the introduction of measures such as exclusion zones or panic buttons.

Three of the attackers were current or former members of the security forces, the report notes, a fact that facilitates access to service weapons.

Authorities in Argentina recorded 73 attempted femicides in the first quarter, in line with definitions set out in the Argentine Penal Code, the report added. 

– TIMES/PERFIL