Cancún gender violence chief resigns amid femicides

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Mónica Sanjuan Ruiz has resigned as director of the Specialized Group for Attention to Family and Gender Violence (GEAVIG) in the municipality of Benito Juárez after four months in the role. Her departure follows a period marked by multiple femicides, including the killing of a 10-year-old girl, which sparked public outrage and demands for justice in Cancún.

Leadership Transition Amid Crisis

Viviana Azueta Cruz, the group’s current coordinator, has assumed interim leadership to ensure continuity in services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. The Municipal Secretariat of Public Security and Transit announced it will begin an evaluation process to formally appoint a permanent replacement.
Sanjuan Ruiz, a specialist in gender issues, criminal law, and legal proceedings, brought recognized expertise to the role. Her resignation coincides with heightened social mobilization, including protests calling for stronger institutional responses to violence against women.

Institutional Overhaul Underway

The leadership change aligns with the arrival of Jaime Padilla Barrientos as head of the Secretariat of Security and Transit. He will oversee restructuring efforts aimed at improving victim support and preventing further violence.
The GEAVIG’s reorganization represents a critical juncture for local authorities in Benito Juárez, as they face pressure to rebuild public trust, enhance protections for women and girls, and ensure accountability for recent cases.

Key Developments:

– Interim Leadership: Viviana Azueta Cruz takes temporary charge of GEAVIG operations.
– Ongoing Evaluation: Authorities will assess candidates for the permanent director role.
– Public Backlash: Protests continue amid demands for systemic reforms to address gender violence.