The federal representative Julieta Vences Valencia (Morena) demanded Attorney General’s Office of the State of Querétaro that respects due process, the gender perspective and the international treaties in the case of the under 14 years old that she was raped and was ordered to pay half a million pesos in compensation to her attacker.
In a press conference, the legislator also demanded respect for the Belém do Pará treaty for the protection of women, girls and adolescents.
You might be interested in: Senate asks the Querétaro Prosecutor’s Office not to take criminal action against Esmeralda
“Never again will any woman be raped, never again will a woman or girl have to suffer from this type of thing, much less a 14-year-old girl who suffered an attack,” he said.
He pointed out that the minor was raped when she was 13 years old and today she is 14 years old, which is why she qualifies the crime as statutory rape and no one in the prosecutor’s office started an investigation file against him who abused her.
Vences Valencia condemned that the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Querétaro did not open the corresponding investigation file in accordance with the Federal Penal Code, for the crime of rape, whether for rape or statutory rape.
He explained that the best interest of the minor was never placed at the center of the investigation and “a resolution was issued not to believe that it requires the girl to compensate her attacker.”
You might be interested in: Sheinbaum calls not to criminalize Esmeralda for a spontaneous abortion in Querétaro
The president of the Gender Equality Commission, Miriam Burgos Hernández (Morena) added that girls, adolescents and women should not be criminalized, stigmatized and singled out for suffering rape in their family environment and undergoing or having a spontaneous abortion, as It happened in the case of Esmeralda.
Meanwhile, the vice coordinator of Morena, Gabriela Jiménez, announced that they are already working on a position in this regard and other groups have expressed solidarity so that this case can have justice.
EAM
Related
Interview: Protecting the Vulnerable – A Conversation with Julieta Vences Valencia
Time.news Editor (TNE): Today, we have an exceptional guest with us, Julieta Vences Valencia, a federal representative from the Morena party and a staunch advocate for women’s rights. Julieta, thank you for joining us.
Julieta Vences Valencia (JVV): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important issue.
TNE: You have recently made headlines speaking out against the Attorney General’s Office in Querétaro regarding a very troubling case involving a 14-year-old rape victim. Can you share what prompted your intervention?
JVV: Absolutely. This case is a horrific example of how the legal system can sometimes fail the most vulnerable members of our society—specifically, young girls. I am demanding that due process is respected and that all actions are taken with a gender perspective in mind. This includes adherence to international treaties designed to protect women and children from violence and discrimination.
TNE: You mentioned the Belém do Pará treaty during your press conference. Can you explain why this treaty is so significant in this context?
JVV: The Belém do Pará treaty is a regional agreement focused on the prevention, punishment, and eradication of violence against women in Latin America. It serves as a commitment between countries to uphold the rights of women and girls, ensuring they are protected from violence and that their voices are heard. In this case, adherence to the treaty is crucial because it emphasizes the need to treat victims with dignity and respect, rather than subjecting them to further trauma.
TNE: There has been an alarming instance where the victim of this awful crime was even ordered to pay compensation to her attacker. How does this reflect on our justice system?
JVV: It is absolutely unacceptable. This incident not only revictimizes the survivor but also sends a dangerous message that the rights of victims are secondary to the rights of their attackers. It shows a systemic failure that must be addressed. We need to build a justice system that supports victims rather than punishing them.
TNE: You passionately stated, “Never again will any woman be raped…” What specific actions do you believe are necessary to prevent such injustices?
JVV: We require comprehensive changes. First, there needs to be training for law enforcement and judicial officials on gender sensitivity and the specific needs of youth victims. Second, there should be more robust support systems in place, such as psychological help for survivors. we must advocate for legal reforms that place the rights of victims at the forefront of our justice system.
TNE: What can our readers do to support this cause?
JVV: Activism begins at the grassroots level. Readers can get involved by educating themselves on these issues, joining local advocacy groups, and pressuring their representatives to enact laws that protect victims. Raising awareness through social media and community events is crucial. Collectively, we can change the narrative and hold our institutions accountable.
TNE: Thank you, Julieta, for your time and for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s essential that we all take part in creating a safer society for our children.
JVV: Thank you for providing a platform for these important discussions. Together, we can make a difference.
TNE: Absolutely. Together, we can amplify these voices and work towards a brighter future.