In Playas del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Alma Nayeli Gutiérrez Pérez, presumed victim of vicarious violencenow also facing an arrest warrant for a complaint filed by his ex-partner, accused Ariadne Song Anguaslegal representative of the accused and spokesperson for the group Xtabay Quintana Roo and the Quintana Roo Victims Network.
At a press conference, he highlighted the complicated situation that his client is experiencing, who previously fled from Playa del Carmen seeking safety due to alleged physical, psychological and sexual assaults.
Gutiérrez Pérez made the difficult decision to leave due to the threats posed by her ex-partner who, according to Song Anguas, subjected her to multiple forms of violence and possessed high-caliber weapons.
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As a result of these events, Nayeli took refuge in the home of relatives outside the city to protect both her life and that of her one-year-old daughter.
Last Monday, she was summoned to the oral family courts of Playa del Carmen to sign an incident of annulment of notification and actions in a guard, custody and alimony process.
However, upon arrival she was detained in compliance with an arrest warrant issued within administrative file 716-2024, due to a complaint for corruption of minors; This accusation, according to Song Anguas, was promoted by his ex-partner as retaliation in the midst of the dispute over the custody of the girl.
The lawyer stated that the legal team will seek all the necessary resources to achieve Nayeli’s freedom.
THEY PROTECT THE LITTLE ONE
Given this situation, family judges in Playa del Carmen ordered that the minor be sheltered in a care home of the Office of the Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents.
The trial judge also determined that, for the moment, both the father, mother and maternal grandmother will have access to supervised visits, while the factors for a final decision on custody are studied.
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The lawyer emphasized that Nayeli’s case is a reflection of the lack of a gender perspective in certain judicial procedures and recalled that her client has previous complaints of violence from her ex-partner, in addition to calls for help to 911, elements that do not were considered in the arrest warrant.
Song Anguas also stressed the importance of avoiding the criminalization of women who are victims of vicarious violence.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Vicarious Violence
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a pressing issue that has come to light in Playa del Carmen. We have with us Dr. Laura Arce, a legal expert focused on domestic violence and women’s rights. Welcome, Dr. Arce.
Dr. Laura Arce (DLA): Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial matter that needs more attention.
TNE: As we understand, the case of Alma Nayeli Gutiérrez Pérez has become a focal point for discussions on vicarious violence and the legal struggles faced by victims. Can you explain what vicarious violence entails?
DLA: Certainly. Vicarious violence refers to the phenomenon where the perpetrator not only harms the victim directly but also threatens or harms their loved ones, often as a means of exerting control. It can include threats of violence against children or family members, effectively using them as leverage. In Nayeli’s case, her ex-partner’s threats against her one-year-old daughter put her in a frightening position, forcing her to flee to ensure their safety.
TNE: That leads us to the troubling aspect of this case: despite being a victim, Nayeli now faces an arrest warrant. How is this possible within the legal framework, and what does it mean for victims who seek protection?
DLA: This is a critical issue. Often the legal system can inadvertently criminalize victims. In Nayeli’s situation, her attempt to seek justice and protection led to complications, which included an arrest warrant stemming from her ex-partner’s accusations. This highlights a systematic failure where the victim’s plight is overshadowed by the legal entanglements that seem to favor the abuser. It’s essential for legal systems to recognize the dynamics of power and fear that victims navigate.
TNE: At the press conference, Ariadne Song Anguas described Nayeli’s flight from Playa del Carmen due to lethal threats. What barriers do you see for victims like her in obtaining justice?
DLA: There are multiple barriers. Firstly, societal stigma often discourages victims from coming forward. Secondly, the legal process can be daunting and traumatizing. Victims like Nayeli might not feel safe in courtrooms where their abusers loom large, especially when the legal protections seem weak. Additionally, there’s a lack of resources for legal representation and mental health support. This case underscores the urgent need for better protections and support systems for victims of domestic violence.
TNE: What can be done to improve the situation for victims of vicarious violence and ensure they feel safe coming forward?
DLA: We need comprehensive reform in how domestic violence cases are handled. This includes specialized training for law enforcement and legal professionals on trauma-informed care, creating safe spaces in which victims can speak freely, and strengthening protective laws. Furthermore, we need more public awareness campaigns that educate the community about the complexities of domestic violence, so that victims don’t feel isolated or blamed.
TNE: Lastly, what message would you like to impart to those in similar situations as Nayeli Gutiérrez Pérez?
DLA: First and foremost, it’s vital for victims to know they are not alone and that support networks do exist, including organizations like the Quintana Roo Victims Network. If they are in immediate danger, seeking help from trusted friends or professionals is crucial. Above all, I want victims to understand that they deserve safety and justice, and there are paths to achieve that, even when it seems overwhelming.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Arce, for your insights into this serious issue. We appreciate your time and expertise as we continue to follow Nayeli’s case and the broader implications it holds for victims of domestic violence.
DLA: Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. It’s conversations like these that can lead to change.
TNE: Indeed. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope to see improvements in the future for victims of violence everywhere.