Survivor of Sexual Violence in Mexico Calls for Governments to Listen Valentina Rosendo Cantu - The Guardian
go to original June 11, 2014

Valentina Rosendo Cantú has sought justice for her rape for 12 years. (Nobel Women's Initiative)

In February 2002, when I was 17 years old, members of the Mexican military attacked and sexually assaulted me. I have sought justice for this crime for the past 12 years. Over time I have come to see that my search for justice is not for my benefit alone – it is for the benefit of many indigenous women in Mexico, including my 12-year-old daughter. Staying silent meant what happened to me could happen to her. I had to do something to prevent this from happening to any other woman again.

As an indigenous woman in Mexico, seeking justice has not been easy. There have been many obstacles – racial discrimination, language barriers and threats against my life. The authorities called me a liar, surrounded my house to intimidate me and publically announced that the crime committed against me was an exaggeration. The incredible support I have had throughout my journey enables me to keep going. However, there are many survivors who are discouraged and frightened by these barriers and as a result they remain silent.

If indigenous women are to see justice for sexual violence crimes in Mexico, the barriers must be removed. The government must fill the gaps in the legal process to make it easier for us to navigate. We should be able to report the crimes committed against us in our own language to a qualified translator. We should be given medical attention by trained female doctors, not insensitive male doctors as I experienced. Our statements should be accurately recorded and passed along to all authorities to save us from having to re-live the trauma every time we meet with a new authority.

Above all, authorities in Mexico should be trained in how to properly investigate sexual violence cases. Our cases should be investigated in a timely manner, not over the course of 12 years. The more cases we are able to report, the stronger the movement will become to end impunity. No more impunity – for me, for all survivors.

Valentina Rosendo Cantú, activist, Just Associates

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