In response to a troubling increase in violence against women, Yussara Canales González, a local legislator, has called for urgent action regarding the femicide crisis in Puerto Vallarta. She presented a legislative agreement urging various governmental bodies to implement comprehensive emergency measures to address this dire issue.
Alarmingly High Rates of Violence
Canales emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that Puerto Vallarta has experienced three femicides within just 11 days in May 2026. Despite having established mechanisms for alerting violence against women as far back as 2016 and 2018, the ongoing crisis continues to escalate.
Call to Action for Authorities
The legislative agreement demands that the Federal Secretary for Women, the Jalisco Secretary of Substantive Equality, and the Puerto Vallarta City Council take immediate action. Key requests include:
- Reporting on actions taken based on the Alert for Violence Against Women.
- Detailing existing protective measures for vulnerable individuals.
- Coordinating a clear strategy to combat feminicide.
Additionally, the State Attorney’s Office is urged to outline its strategies for preventing, investigating, and prosecuting crimes against women.
Female Empowerment and Advocacy
Canales affirmed that the violence faced by women represents the highest form of gender-based violence. She stressed the state’s obligation to take decisive action to prevent and punish such acts, calling for a rejection of apathy surrounding these crimes.
“Puerto Vallarta cannot be a place where the murder of women becomes just another statistic,” she declared. “Strong actions and real coordination are needed to ensure women can live freely and safely.”
Mobilization of Women’s Groups
The legislator acknowledged the efforts of various women’s collectives and organizations that have raised awareness of the lack of effective diagnostics and comprehensive policies in the municipality. She remarked, “Institutional silence also causes harm. We are raising our voices and demanding accountability from all authorities before this crisis claims more lives.”
