Domestic Violence: an Epidemic within the Pandemic
Tara A. Spears
Sadly, abuse has no borders or economic boundaries; it doesn’t matter what language you speak when a woman or child becomes the punching bag for another’s rage. Domestic violence is a terrible equalizer. Groups like the local GEMA Project (Grupo Especial de Mujeres Aprendiendo) found their shelter bursting at the seams yet their funding dramatically decreased as the world’s attention focused on the covid-19 pandemic. It was as if the world turned a cold shoulder, forgetting about the desperate women trying to survive in dangerous situations. But the GEMA Project continued to help as many as they could.
When the pandemic order to cease public gatherings and begin mandatory stay-at-home restrictions first came into effect, some people enjoyed being able to work from home and spend more time with family. But, for victims of domestic abuse found themselves trapped with their abuser 24 hours a day. COVID-19 did not create an abuser, but it did exacerbate tendencies for domestic violence abuse and generate more opportunity. Abusers use isolation as a tool to control their victim, and they are using COVID-19 as an excuse to make victims stay under their control.
No matter what the geographical location, Mexican social services and law enforcement agencies report a 30-100% increase in domestic violence for 2020. (Ortiz,b) The Mexican government enacted 2020 legislation to address the alarming rise of violence against women by creating a federal initialtive: “You’re not alone, we’re still with you”/ #ContingenciaSinViolencia.
In Mexico, one of the most important tools for protecting women from violence is the National Shelter Network for women victims of domestic violence. Currently there are 70 shelters operating under the guidelines throughout the country. Each facility follows the guidelines of the Modelo Para Refugios Para Mujeres Victimas de la Violencia de Genero. (MRMVVG) The aim of these centers is to provide professional service to assist women/children in crisis. The location of all shelters is confidential in order to avoid potential aggression and reduce risk to the women, as well as to promote the women’s autonomy while receiving comprehensive care. Those applying for refuge can typically shelter there for up to three months then she must relocate to a transitional facility.
Puerto Vallarta has had a shelter for abused women and children since 2014. Founder and legal representative is David Zude, (left photo.) Casa Esperanza and its sister shelter Casa Esperanza Guanajuato, are part of the network of national women’s shelters in Mexico. “This network provides safe housing for women and their children who are survivors of extreme violence,” said David. “We provide comprehensive services that include, but are not limited to, food, clothing, medical care, services from our psychologist, child psychologist, social worker, teacher, lawyer, and nutritionist. We also provide job training, job search assistance, home search assistance and relocation services. All assistance is given without cost to the families.”
Now enter Jose and Maria (not real names) who recognized the need for a Jaltemba Bay area women’s shelter. They began assisting local families in 2018. Originally, the pair wanted to generate supporters to acquire funds to build a safe house but the cost and red tape is daunting. Rather than give up the goal, the couple reached out to the experienced Puerto Vallarta center for guidance and help.
“The 2021 plan that Maria, Jose and I have agreed upon is that the services that GEMA will provide will be overseen by Vida Reavivida” explained David. “GEMA will assist in disseminating information about the services available (in Nayarit.) GEMA will provide an emergency shelter (which can provide immediate shelter for families up to 3-4 days) or until such time that the family is sent to live with relatives or to Casa Esperanza. After three months in Casa Esperanza the women can be moved to our Transitional Living facility.”
In addition, the GEMA Project will help families that leave Casa Esperanza and wish to relocate in the Jaltemba Bay area. When volunteers are available again, GEMA is to organize an External Resource Center which will provide job training as well as psychological and legal services. Those that are interested in being a volunteer or who wish to donate, may do so by going to the group’s Face Book page: GEMA Grupo Especial de Mujeres Aprendiendo or the parent organization for the shelter: Compassion for the Family Inc, a 501c3 charitable organization with the website http://www.compassionforthefamily.com.
Donations can be received through Compassion for the family website and is tax deductible for US citizens.
There is also a Mexican not-for-profit, Vida Reavivida A.C., that is a “donataria autorizada” which can provide tax deductible receipts to Mexican and US citizens for in kind donations such as used linens, food, clothing, medical care, transportation for families, cleaning products, hygiene products, diapers and formulas. Use the FB page to contact if you have items to give.
It may not make the headlines but the suffering of our Mexican sisters is real and they need our help. If you have a friend or neighbor in a violent situation, give them the Mexican hotline number: 800 108 4053; 322 170 1492 or 322 278 9950
gemasgroup020517@gmail.com http://www.compassionforthefamily.com/
