Individuals have the right to a life free from violence of any kind—psychological, physical, sexual, economic, and patrimonial. However, incidents of violence occur even among family members, including spouses, partners, relatives, and even ex-spouses or ex-partners, whether they live together or not.
In Mexico, domestic violence occurs in families regardless of their socioeconomic status or educational level. Reports indicate that the number of domestic violence cases is very high, but many remain unreported. Family members often do not file complaints.
Domestic violence is a social problem that affects not only those who suffer the abuse but also those who witness it and other family members. The impact is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. Victims of domestic violence often experience psychological or psychiatric disorders, crises that can even lead to suicide. The dignity, integrity, and freedom of victims are compromised.
It is essential to clarify that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity; it is a human right. This is established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states in Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
In Mexico, the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States guarantees in Article 1 that all individuals enjoy human rights. Article 4 states that women and men are equal before the law and that the law will protect the organization and development of the family.
The Mexican State, aware of this issue, has worked alongside institutions and non-governmental organizations, as well as with victims of domestic violence, to create public policies, programs, and legislation aimed at preventing, sanctioning, and eradicating domestic violence.
What penalties are applied to those who commit the crime of domestic violence?
According to the federal penal code or the penal code of the relevant state, domestic violence is punishable by:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Loss of inheritance rights
- Loss of alimony
- Loss of parental authority
- Loss of custody
- Payment for uninterrupted comprehensive treatment for the recovery of the victim’s health.
Additionally, the aggressor will be subjected to uninterrupted comprehensive treatment for their medical-psychological rehabilitation.
