Playa del Carmen Schools Boost Abuse Prevention Measures

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Following recent cases in which three minors reported being victims of sexual abuse within their family environments, the Integral Protection System for Girls, Boys, and Adolescents (Sipinna) in Playa del Carmen has intensified prevention efforts in schools to ensure students know where to report such incidents.

Yamile Domínguez Álvarez, executive secretary of Sipinna, stated that teachers and school administrators are being trained to avoid revictimizing children experiencing violence and to understand the appropriate steps when a student comes forward.

“There are children who don’t know they can go directly to the Prosecutor’s Office to file a report. It’s also crucial to train teachers and principals so they don’t further traumatize children who are going through these situations,” Domínguez said.

Coordinated Response

The official confirmed that Sipinna is collaborating with the System for Integral Family Development (DIF), the Specialized Group for Addressing Family and Gender Violence (Geavig), the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), and the education sector to provide a coordinated response for victims.

“So far, we’ve covered about 20 percent of Playa del Carmen’s schools. There are many schools—it’s a very large task—but we’re all working urgently to reach each one, especially for prevention purposes,” Domínguez emphasized.

Recent Cases

The first case occurred on June 2 in the Ejido neighborhood, where a minor disclosed to her elementary school principal that her uncle had inappropriately touched her.

Two days later, a second case emerged at the Constituyentes de 1974 elementary school in the Cristo Rey neighborhood, where another girl reported being sexually assaulted by a family member.

On June 11, a student at the Kukulcán elementary school in the Real Ibiza subdivision also reported sexual abuse by a relative. The child shared her situation during an educational talk, prompting immediate action from school staff and administrators.

Authorities continue to reinforce protocols to protect minors and ensure swift intervention in such cases.