Domestic violence in Costa Rica on track to surpass 2014

The number of domestic violence victims treated at public hospitals of the Costa Rican Social Security System, or Caja, is on track to pass last year’s total, the Caja reported this week.

Caja staff treated 312 victims of abuse during the first nine months of this year, 60 percent of them women. So far this year, the highest number of abuse cases was reported in September, 50, but officials warned that domestic violence often spikes during the year-end holidays.

Lorna Gámez, who coordinates the Caja’s gender equity program, said families tend to spend more time together at home during the holidays, drink more liquor and spend more money — elements that can contribute to increased family conflicts.

Domestic violence also surges during football games, according to the National Women’s Institute.