Cancún Has Assisted More Than 5,900 Victims of Violence, Officials Say

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A total of 5,938 people have been assisted as victims of violence in Cancún, including 3,426 women and 2,139 children and adolescents, according to Pablo Gutiérrez Fernández, secretary general of the Benito Juárez municipal government.

Speaking in an interview with María Cristina de la Cruz on Marcrix Noticias, Gutiérrez Fernández said the municipal government maintains a coordinated system to respond to reports of violence and to follow up with victims, particularly when they are women or minors.

According to the latest figures he presented, authorities have received 6,547 reports, of which 609 were determined to be unfounded. The remaining cases produced the tally of 5,938 victims: 3,426 women, 2,139 girls, boys and adolescents, and 373 men.

The secretary general said the cases involve different types of violence and acknowledged that violence occurs inside homes. Each report is referred to the appropriate agency based on the characteristics of the victim and the nature of the reported incident, he said.

Interagency Response

Gutiérrez Fernández explained that an interdisciplinary team reviews cases almost from the moment a report is received. Authorities determine what type of violence occurred and which agency should take responsibility for following up.

When the victim is a woman, the Municipal Women’s Institute takes part. When girls, boys or adolescents are involved, DIF Benito Juárez participates through the Office of the Attorney for the Protection of Children, Adolescents and the Family. Other institutions are called in when a case requires a different type of intervention.

Gutiérrez Fernández stressed that assistance does not end with the initial response, noting that victims receive psychological and legal support. For women, the program also includes training intended to give them tools to move forward and regain their independence.

He said the municipality coordinates on an ongoing basis with the C5 emergency monitoring center, the 911 emergency line, security agencies, the State Prosecutor’s Office and other authorities to handle cases and pursue proceedings against suspected perpetrators.

The goal, he said, is for those who commit crimes against women, girls, boys or adolescents to face legal consequences while victims receive support until they are able to fully return to their daily lives.

To report violence against women, girls, boys or adolescents, Gutiérrez Fernández said residents should call 911 directly, from where cases are referred to the appropriate agencies for assistance and follow-up.