**Investigation Lapses in Women Homicides Highlighted by IMMUJER**
In a concerning revelation, Tanya Alejandra Mota Alvarado, the director of the Municipal Institute for Women (IMMUJER), has pointed out significant omissions by the State Government and the Baja California Prosecutor’s Office in investigating the murders of women.
Mota Alvarado emphasized the backward approach to categorizing these cases. “There are instances where the State Government starts investigations as homicides and then asks for criteria to qualify it as a femicide. This contradicts the Supreme Court’s stance that a woman’s death should first be considered a femicide before ruling it out,” she stated.
**A Spike in Femicide Cases**
In just the first six months of 2024, Tijuana has already reported as many femicides as in the entire year of 2023. This trend underscores the urgent need for gender-based perspectives in homicide investigations, a point that Mota Alvarado passionately argues.
She rejected claims from investigative authorities suggesting that over 90% of women’s murders are linked to organized crime. “We cannot allow this excuse to overshadow the reality. While criminal activities exist, they are not the primary cause of femicides,” she argued.
**Challenges for Violence Victims**
Victims of violence face numerous hurdles even after reporting their assaults. Mota Alvarado highlighted the sluggish response to complaints and delays in issuing protection orders. “It’s not about shifting responsibilities. It’s about addressing our duties and continuing to raise our voices,” she declared.
—
**Secondary Story: Wave of Violence Highlights Inefficiencies in Femicide Investigations**
Reports show a troubling increase in the number of femicides and related violence in Tijuana, mirroring national trends of rising gender-based crimes in Mexico. In 2024 alone, femicide statistics have surged, emphasizing the need for critical reforms in handling such cases.
**Call for Systematic Reforms**
Experts and activists are urging for systematic changes in the investigative processes. They argue that many cases are mishandled, leading to miscarriages of justice and increased vulnerability for women. The judiciary is also under scrutiny for not implementing protective measures effectively.
**Community Response**
Local organizations have mobilized to support victims and advocate for their rights. Public awareness campaigns and workshops are being conducted to educate women about their rights and the proper channels for reporting violence.
**Government Response**
In response to the criticism, the Baja California government has promised to review and enhance its protocols for investigating femicides, pledging to adopt a more victim-centered approach and ensure timely action on protection orders.
For continuous updates and more in-depth coverage of ongoing events in Tijuana, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.