Blanca Alexandra Oñate-Bastidas, Victoria Renata Ojeda-Silva, María Gabriela Tobar-Ruiz, Lisbeth Belén Torres-Guamán
Gender-based violence in Latin America represents a structural problem with profound social implications, particularly in underrepresented contexts such as the Ecuadorian Amazon region. This study aimed to analyze students’ perceptions of gender-based violence at the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Morona Santiago campus, addressing their general knowledge of the phenomenon, personal experiences, reporting channels, and institutional protocols. A quantitative, descriptive approach was employed using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to university students. Findings reveal partial knowledge of gender-based violence, limited trust in institutional reporting mechanisms, and a concerning normalization of certain forms of violence. The discussion highlights cultural and structural barriers that hinder effective prevention and response, as well as the need to strengthen gender units within higher education institutions. Although regulations and protocols promoting gender equity formally exist, they have not translated into meaningful changes in everyday practices. This study contributes to the academic debate by shedding light on a scarcely explored reality and identifies key challenges for university policies related to rights, inclusion, and student safety.