Related Articles
-Editorial
In response to growing concerns about delays in assistance for victims of domestic violence, Baja California’s Attorney General announced a new effort to improve and expedite victim services across the state.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila officially inaugurated Baja California’s largest Center for Justice for Women (CEJUM) on July 30 during her weekly press briefing, held this time in Mexicali. The facility, built with an investment of more than 62 million pesos, offers comprehensive, free services to women, children, and adolescents affected by violence. Designed as a dignified and integrated space, the new CEJUM includes psychological, legal, and medical support, as well as Gesell chambers for interviews, empowerment workshops, a children’s play area, a lactation room, a computer lab, a boutique, and a courtroom.
The Baja California Attorney General’s Office is now directly present inside the CEJUM, allowing women to file complaints on-site without the need for transfers, supported by full accompaniment. The center, located on Avenida Jaripeo in Calafia, Mexicali, will operate 24/7. Since 2021, the CEJUMs in Tijuana and San Quintín have provided more than 107,000 free services to over 22,000 women throughout the state.
Residents have reported lengthy wait times and slow response when seeking help from the state’s prosecutor’s office in cases of family violence. In some cases, victims said they were left without timely access to justice or support services. In light of these issues, officials confirmed that the state government, in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office, is taking action to address these systemic delays.
“This is precisely why we are here today,” said Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez. “Thanks to the efforts of my colleague, Magdalena Bautista, Director of SACUM, and the support of our Governor, we are opening these centers that will make the entire process easier and more efficient.”
The new centers will consolidate key services for victims under one roof. “Here, as you will see during the tour, there are offices staffed by public prosecutors, their assistants, police officers specialized in gender-based violence investigations, and forensic experts,” Andrade Ramírez said.
The initiative aims to reduce the bureaucratic barriers often faced by survivors of domestic violence and to offer quicker, more comprehensive care in a centralized setting.
During a recent discussion on women’s justice initiatives, officials emphasized the importance of preventive strategies in addressing gender-based violence. One key question raised concerned how the impact of these efforts is being measured, particularly considering that the root of such violence often lies in harmful male behavior. The need to address masculinity and engage men in prevention strategies was highlighted as a critical area for progress.
Authorities also discussed the implementation of a new protocol for public demonstrations. This protocol aligns with a national framework and aims to go beyond protest by establishing working groups that can engage with demonstrators and jointly seek solutions.
On the topic of prevention, it was noted that while justice centers primarily address violence that has already occurred, their comprehensive services also help prevent reoccurrence by empowering women with tools for better decision-making. Additionally, a designated prevention team conducts educational sessions in workplaces, schools, and communities. These talks cover the definition and types of violence, how to seek help, and are directed not only at women but also at men, teenagers, and children, underscoring the center’s broader commitment to building a culture of prevention.