**Efforts to Identify Victims of Violence in Baja California**
Organizations in Baja California are intensifying efforts to identify and support victims of violence, particularly women, who endure various forms of abuse, both at home and at work. The focus is on psychological violence, which is often the most challenging to detect and report due to its less visible nature.
Mónica Vargas Núñez, head of the Women’s Institute of Baja California (Inmujer), highlights that behaviors such as jealousy, deceit, hurtful jokes, and invading privacy are not expressions of love but warning signs of escalating violence. These behaviors often precede more severe forms of aggression, including physical violence, intimidation, and even femicide.
At the Center for Justice for Women (Cejum), a staggering 75% of women seeking help experience domestic violence, not only from current partners but also from former partners. Magdalena Bautista Ramírez, director of Cejum, explains that violence can include derogatory comments about attire or behavior, and even economic and patrimonial abuse, where essential personal items or documents are withheld by the partner.
Workplace violence is another critical issue, with women facing everything from salary disparities to sexual harassment. Vargas Núñez advises that making derogatory remarks about a woman’s appearance or making unwanted sexual comments are forms of workplace violence. Although the number of legal complaints regarding workplace harassment is low, many women hesitate to pursue them due to lengthy legal processes.
Efforts are being made to address these issues at the institutional level. Both Cejum and Inmujer are conducting workshops and providing legal and psychological support to victims. They aim to eliminate barriers for women in legal and therapeutic processes by forming collaborations with businesses to grant necessary permissions for women to attend follow-up appointments.
In the past three years, Cejum has sheltered four victims of violence weekly, offering them psychological support and legal representation. Efforts also extend to workplaces, with industry leaders acknowledging the need for better workplace protocols and stricter enforcement against violence and harassment. These measures are hoped to encourage more victims to come forward, knowing they have support through established protocols.
**Recent Developments in Violence Prevention Efforts**
A notable increase has been made in the budget allocated to Cejum, set to grow by 13 million pesos to hire more lawyers and expand services. Many businesses are now implementing internal protocols to combat workplace violence, including anonymous reporting channels and defined disciplinary actions against aggressors.
Besides workplace initiatives, there is also political intervention, with the governor calling for a thorough investigation into allegations of domestic violence against a local legislator. This underscores a growing societal emphasis on accountability and the importance of structural support for victims.
Additionally, educational campaigns are being mobilized across various sectors, emphasizing the different types of violence, their indicators, and available resources for victims. These initiatives not only seek to empower women but also aim to transform societal attitudes towards violence and provide comprehensive support to those affected.