### New Specialized Courts for Domestic Violence Against Women to Open in Tijuana
In an effort to address and mitigate domestic violence against women, the Superior Court of Justice of the State of Baja California (TSJEBC) will inaugurate two specialized courts in Tijuana come September. Magistrate Imelda Amador Guillén announced that this initiative aims to provide an integrated system with protection orders to support battered women through coordinated efforts among state public entities.
As of 2024, the TSJEBC has issued 170 gender-sensitive rulings. By setting up specialized courts, the goal is to expedite case resolutions, reducing average processing times significantly. Alongside Tijuana, plans are also in place to open two similar courts in Mexicali and one in Ensenada.
“This is a crucial step for women victims of violence in the state,” said Amador Guillén. “Judges will be extensively trained in family matters and gender perspectives over the course of a year to ensure no victim is re-victimized.”
The new system also encompasses support for children, the elderly, and individuals entrapped in violence cycles, assisting them throughout the judicial process. Women facing familial violence from spouses or partners, as well as those with legal issues concerning alimony, guardianship, and custody, will be attended to by judges with specialized knowledge in both penal and familial law.
The reform, rooted in the 2011 Constitutional amendment mandating gender perspective in human rights cases, seeks to streamline case protocols, thus shortening procedural times. In the past six months, the judiciary has also established a Directorate of Human Rights and Gender Issues to continuously train its personnel.
To create a seamless route for violence survivors before entering the judicial system, the TSJEBC will collaborate with first-respondent authorities. This includes the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), victim support areas, and public defenders, all aiming to provide immediate and direct access to required help.
“The institutional challenge involves coordination among all operators in this model, not exclusively the judiciary but also the prosecution, victim support, and public defense sectors,” added Amador Guillén. “This coordinated effort is crucial to effectively attending to battered women without unnecessary delays or insufficient investigative elements.”
Addressing instances where cases were returned due to insufficient evidence, the magistrate emphasized the commitment to ensuring viable case files through a gender perspective approach, reducing such occurrences.
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### Secondary Article: Broader Context on Violence Against Women in Baja California
According to recent reports, Baja California experiences significant levels of violence against women. In 2023 alone, the state registered over ten feminicides, a form of gender-related murder. While local authorities report these figures, the frequency of such violence highlights ongoing challenges in achieving comprehensive justice and safety for women across the region.
The state’s judicial reforms, including the introduction of specialized courts, reflect a broader commitment to tackling these issues head-on. Efforts are being made to enhance the efficacy of law enforcement and judicial processes to protect vulnerable populations better.
Furthermore, community outreach and educational programs are being developed to raise awareness about domestic violence and available legal resources. These initiatives aim to create a safer environment for women and build a society where gender-based violence is promptly addressed and mitigated.
As Baja California continues to navigate these complex issues, the establishment of focused judicial resources marks a significant stride toward delivering timely and just outcomes for women facing domestic violence.