Blog by Elena Kerr, SI Edinburgh (SIGBI)
SI CSW70 Delegate
16/03.2026
CSW Parallel Event – Child Sexual violence in Mexico: Justice Pathways in the Digital Era
Child Sexual Abuse and Access to Justice in Mexico
Today I attended this event on child sexual abuse in Mexico, which brought together an excellent panel of Mexican feminist human rights organisations. The speakers included Ingrid Guerrero from “Yo te Creo”, Claudia Doroteo from “Las Sabinas”, Ayelén Amigo from “Hispanics in Philanthropy”, Mónica Reynoso from “Luminas”, and Ericka Cancino from “Spes Viva”. This event facilitated a space to interchange ideas and share experiences across organisations, placing child sexual abuse as a human rights crisis at the centre of conversations on justice.
Please note that this event was held in Spanish and may therefore not reflect the speakers’ exact words due to translation.
Ericka started the discussion by presenting the work of “Spes Viva”, including work against cyberstalking. It was emphasised that digital violence translates into offline violence, where men not only distribute and engage with child pornography online, but also approach children and parents to meet children offline. Ericka also raised complexities within the justice system, as they experienced illegal treatment by the District Attorney (DA) office when reporting crimes. Members of the organisation were turned away and not taken seriously, with claims that only parents could report crimes, when legally any person who knows of a crime has the right to report it. This demonstrates the difficulties of accessing justice and echoes the need for survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
Claudia raised the importance of working in suburban parts of Mexico, questioning who is exposed to violence and who has access to justice. We must ensure that suburban communities are not abandoned in the pursuit of justice. She also discussed sexual manipulation using Artificial Intelligence (AI), grooming, and how to understand online security. These forms of digital violence create a hyper-sexualisation of children. Digital spaces must therefore not replace social interactions. Claudia also highlighted how communities outside cities may lack knowledge and tools to respond to online risks. The world is moving faster online than the ability to understand these developments. Long commuting times further limit parents’ ability to be present when children are online.
Mónica from “Luminas”, a human rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to prevent child sexual abuse, added the importance of giving children space to speak and for lawmakers to listen. She noted that key issues raised by children aged 11–17 in Mexico include early pregnancy, rape, exploitation, image manipulation through AI, and sexual harassment by teachers. Social media has made it easier for perpetrators. Ingrid contributed by highlighting barriers, stigma, and judgement that restrict reporting of sexual and digital violence, particularly in a context where women and girls disappear. She also emphasised the challenge for parents to monitor children’s online activity while working long hours and commuting. Individuals working long schedules who experience violence also struggle to navigate complex justice systems.
Technology, Responsibility, and Action
Another key part of the discussion focused on how tech companies profit from children online, and how technology is often masculinised. The panel called for tech companies to take responsibility for protecting children on platforms. Just as children must be protected in public spaces, they must also be protected online. These platforms must research and respond, as there cannot be justice when children are not safe online.
The panel also called for greater professionalism in legal systems and better-informed protocols, with citizen participation, as people are more likely to speak up when they feel supported. Protocols must be trauma-informed, recognising that people respond differently to trauma, both in prevention and response. Parents of children who experience violence must not be criminalised or left with guilt, but supported in seeking justice and informed about processes.
Other actions discussed included the creation of an app that does not require internet access, allowing parents who commute to use travel time to learn about online violence and start conversations with their children. This highlights the importance of working with parents and caregivers.
Play was also highlighted as an approach. “Las Sabinas” introduced skating with children as a way to work with the body, often the first place affected by sexual violence. This helps children understand what their bodies are communicating, learning to fall and get back up, and to socialise with others. Play becomes a space where children can understand fear and build resilience. Claudia raised the question of how a child can explain grooming to another child. Through activities like skating, children can become aware and support each other.
We must create spaces for children to speak and ensure that their voices inform policy and legislative responsibility, particularly for tech companies. Children understand their experiences and what they encounter online; we must allow them to guide responses based on their needs.
Overall, this panel provided important insights into child sexual violence in Mexico, highlighting the complexities of accessing justice, while also offering practical actions and approaches to prevention and response.
