Understanding the Scope of Child Sexual Abuse in Mexico
According to Civil Society Organizations, one in four girls and one in six boys have experienced sexual violence. In 85% of cases, the perpetrator is someone close to the victim.
Alarming Statistics
- 98 child abuse cases related to sexual violence are opened daily.
- Between 2019 and 2023, 9,822 minors required medical attention for sexual violence, averaging 27 cases per day.
- The Children’s Ombudsman Office documented severe sexual assault cases in public and private pre-schools: 27 cases were reported in 12 states by June 2024.
- From 2012 to 2023, there were 3,534 cases of sexual violence committed by school staff, equating to one case per day in Mexican classrooms.
Valeria González, an expert from the Alumbra network, emphasized that young victims often lack the tools to recognize their situation. She highlighted that 7 out of 10 perpetrators are relatives, complicating denunciation and detection.
The Role of Schools
González stressed the importance of the education sector as an early detection space, but also noted the need to strengthen the Procuradurías de Protección de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes. These entities support victims in denunciation and rights restoration processes.
“Educators often don’t know how to act; they aren’t responsible for investigations but should activate protocols and immediately notify relevant authorities,” she explained.
NGOs Collaborate to Provide Resources
Aware of this reality, organizations like Alumbra, Fundación Freedom, Guardianes, ODI, Te Protejo México, and Unión Mujer collaborated to create a free catalog of practical and effective tools for educational communities.
Catalog Content
- Programa Lobo: Comprehensive sexual education and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Manual of prevention of child sexual abuse.
- Manual of civics and digital culture.
- Programa Escáner: Specialized in sexual education, assertive communication, and active listening for parents and caregivers.
- Guías para el manejo seguro de redes sociales (Guidelines for safe social media management).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue? One in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual violence, with perpetrators often being close to the victim.
- Why is this important? Young victims lack tools to recognize their situation, and 7 out of 10 perpetrators are relatives, complicating denunciation and detection.
- What role do schools play? Schools are crucial for early detection, but educators need proper protocols and communication with authorities to support victims.
- What resources are available? NGOs have created a free catalog with tools like Programa Lobo, prevention manuals, civics and digital culture guides, Programa Escáner, and social media management guidelines.
