Seguro y Sano – Sana y Protegida is a Non-profit Organization and a Asociacion Civil (AC). Our mission is to empower those who are experiencing domestic violence by establishing and providing safe housing, supportive counselling, and legal advocacy services. Our programs seek to connect victims with a nurturing community while enhancing their personal safety, independence, and self-esteem.
Those of us who live in or visit San Carlos and Guaymas recognize it as a beautiful, peaceful place we can enjoy. But for some, life can be a life and death struggle, especially women. This became evident when reports indicate a young woman killed at the Taqueria in San Carlos was an act of femicide. The incidence of violence against women has reached epidemic proportions in Mexico. According to the U.N., nine women are killed every day in the country. More than 3,000 have been murdered since 2015, and of those, more than 300 were killed in 2019 alone. Since impunity for perpetrators is rampant, 82 percent of Mexican women say they routinely feel unsafe. Over 66 percent of them have endured violent incidents, including domestic or sexual violence.
In Guaymas a teenage girl was abducted, beaten, raped and dismembered because she broke up with her boyfriend. Another woman was kidnapped and found strangled in a hotel. The sad reality is that violence starts in the home where it is normalized. When a young person witnesses physical or mental abuse, the children learn that violence is normal. Mexican women will say it is the “machismo” culture.
Unfortunately, there are few options for a woman who is being abused. In the Guaymas municipality; there are no Hotlines, and only 2 beds are available as shelter space. Women are afraid to tell their family or friends about the abuse. The cycle of abuse continues and escalates. Because the male controls the finances, she is unable to leave and has no place to go. Along with the violence, the tension and fear increases, especially for the children involved. This becomes a generational problem unless intervention is available.
For more information contact:
President, Lynn Cannon (lynncannon1@msn.com)
Vice-President, Rebecca Cannon Vejar
Treasurer, Ines Orozco
Secretary & Interim Volunteer Co-ordinator, Joy Hunter (joy.hunter@shaw.ca)
or visit our webpage at seguroysano.org
Follow on Facebook: womensancarlos
