Gender crime ups Mexico and Central America migration

Subject

Gender violence in Mexico and Central America.

Significance

Rates of violence against women have soared in Mexico and Central America since 2000. A culture of machismo, combined with judicial corruption, has led to widespread impunity for perpetrators, with the vast majority of killings going unsolved.

Impacts

• The number of women and children attempting to migrate north via human trafficking networks will steadily increase.
• Vulnerable children will turn to juvenile crime, perpetuating cycles of gang recruitment and street violence.
• Judicial failings will encourage acts of vigilante justice, exacerbating violence within communities.