VAW_COVID_Mexico_junio2020_02
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Monitoring violence against women during COVID-19 restrictions

unodc

In the latest report on the monitoring of violence against women during COVID-19 confinement in Mexico, the Center of Excellence presents the trends in justice procurement records and emergency calls, as of June 2020.

The report uses data from the investigation files of the Prosecutor’s Offices and calls to 9-1-1 from the Emergency Call Centers, which are compiled by the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP, in its spanish acronym).

Taking into account that in Mexico the confinement measures began on March 23, the trend before and during the months of confinement of six crimes and/or events associated with violence against women is analyzed. The percentage change over the pandemic for observed crimes is:

  • Intentional homicides of women: -16.2%)
  • Femicides: +26.2
  • Intentional injuries to women: -11.7%)
  • Violence against women: -11.4%
  • Family violence: -1.3%
  • Rapes: -31.7%

Due to confinement measures, there are some circumstances that may affect the recording of behaviors associated with violence against women. Victims may not go to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to report, they may not be able to do so from confinement or they may not be able to call 9-1-1 safely, and not all crimes can be reported digitally.

The hypothesis of underreporting is reinforced by the fact that in the last month (from May to June), when restrictions on mobility were reduced, four of the six behaviors observed had increases, the largest in the number of femicides (45% more than the previous month).

Monitoring these trends can support the targeting of prevention measures during and after the pandemic, in addition to guiding the provision of mechanisms for access to justice and treatment services.