The right to equality within the Ecuadorian Constitution and its application in the protection of male victims of gender violence

Abstract

This research examines the actual application of the principle of gender equality enshrined in the Ecuadorian Constitution, paying special attention to the protection of men who experience gender-based violence. To this end, a descriptive-exploratory design was used with a quantitative approach. It analyzed the implementation of constitutional and legal norms in specific episodes of aggression against men and sought to identify legal and cultural gaps that still impede their adequate treatment. The research was guided by the question: How is the constitutional right to equality implemented in Ecuador to effectively protect men who suffer gender-based violence? Through structured surveys administered to a representative sample of Quito residents, perceptions regarding access to institutional services and the effectiveness of available legal responses were investigated. Among the most significant findings is the limited response of state entities to male violence, a phenomenon that is often minimized or even hidden by dominant social stereotypes. It was also observed that many incidents go unreported because victims fear the stigma associated with acknowledging their situation. The results analyzed highlight the urgent need for inclusive public policies, robust institutional mechanisms, and equitable access to justice, so that the constitutional right to equality is realized for all Ecuadorians.