### New Family Courts in Tijuana and Mexicali to Open in September
The new Family Courts specialized in cases of family violence in Baja California will be inaugurated in the first week of September this year. This announcement was made by Judge Columba Imelda Amador Guillén of the Second Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of the State.
“The President of the Supreme Court has informed us that they will be opened in the first week of September. There will be two courts in Tijuana, two in Mexicali, and one in Ensenada initially,” shared Judge Amador Guillén. “These courts will be exclusively specialized in family violence against women.”
According to Judge Amador Guillén, the key difference between the new courts and the existing ones is that the new judges will have expertise in both criminal and family matters. This dual expertise will enable them to analyze cases comprehensively and issue fair sentences, thereby protecting the integrity of women and their children.
“The significant difference is that these courts will have a mixed jurisdiction, covering both criminal and family matters. This way, women who are victims of family violence can be attended to by a judge knowledgeable in issues like alimony, custody, visitation rights, and protective orders, ensuring the safety of the woman, children, and adolescents. This approach aims to streamline the process and avoid revictimization,” the judge explained.
However, Judge Amador Guillén acknowledged that the main challenge remains ensuring that all authorities, from municipal public security to the Prosecutor’s Office and courts, work together effectively to penalize aggressors and protect victims.
“The real challenge is that everyone fulfills their role from the moment a woman calls 911. We have worked closely with public safety directors and the Violet Squad to ensure cooperation. This is a direct resource for women facing family violence, not just a resource exclusive to the Judicial Power,” she noted.
It is noteworthy that from January to July 2024, Baja California registered a total of 8,803 family violence complaints. Out of these, 3,664 were from Mexicali, 2,869 from Tijuana, and 1,163 from Ensenada, placing these municipalities first, second, and third respectively in state rankings for this type of crime.
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### Additional News: Increase in Support Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
In related news, the Baja California government is implementing further measures to support victims of domestic violence. A new hotline service dedicated to providing immediate assistance and psychological counseling to victims has been introduced. The hotline will operate 24/7 and will be staffed by trained professionals.
Additionally, shelters for women and children suffering from domestic violence are expanding their capacity to accommodate more victims. The government is also running awareness campaigns to educate the public about the signs of domestic violence and how to seek help.
Governor María Teresa Jiménez stated, “Our aim is to create a robust support network for victims of domestic violence. We want to ensure that every woman and child in Baja California has access to the resources they need to escape violent situations and begin healing.”
These initiatives have been welcomed by advocacy groups, who believe that these efforts will significantly aid in addressing the pervasive issue of family violence in the region.
As Baja California continues to take steps to combat family violence and support victims, the opening of the new specialized Family Courts marks a significant milestone in these efforts.