Protection of victims of violence family in times of pandemic

Abstract

On March 20, 2020, the Mexican health authorities decreed mandatory confinement, as one of the measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy slowed down the contagion a bit, but it exposed the reality of family violence that has been present in our country for many years, alarmingly aggravated by economic pressure; the permanence of family members in confined spaces, for a long time; and the improvisation of areas for minors and adolescents to join remote education. Such circumstances caused chaos among family members, and the consequent repeated violation of the human rights of women, minors and the elderly.

The situation generated by the pandemic has led to a review of the national, and international legal obligations contracted by the Mexican authorities, to guarantee the full exercise of the human rights of those who make up the families and avoid fatal consequences for their personal integrity.

Various national and international institutions and organizations have documented the increase in family violence during the pandemic, and their results show the need to create public policies aimed at stopping this dizzying race, which threatens the dignity of people, and makes it urgent to grant protection adequate to the victims of this violence, which will only be achieved with a change in the cultural and educational paradigms of those who make up the different societies.