A 14-year-old girl was rescued in Oaxaca after running away from home to avoid being forced into a marriage with a 62-year-old man. The minor escaped from her community in San Bartolomé Loxicha, in the Sierra Sur, and was located by authorities after requesting food aid and protection.
The incident occurred last Wednesday, April 9, when the teenager ran away from home at night. Once in the city, she reported her parents, accusing them of allegedly trying to force her into a marriage with a man almost five decades older than her.
The minor was located and taken into custody by the State Police and the Oaxaca State Attorney General’s Office (FGJO). She was subsequently referred to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Justice for Children and Adolescents to provide the appropriate legal support.
What is the penalty for forcing marriages with minors in Mexico?
In Mexico, forced marriages with minors are strictly prohibited and considered a serious crime. Penalties vary depending on the circumstances, but recent reforms to the Penal Code have significantly toughened the punishments for those who promote, facilitate, or enter into such unions.
General Penalties:
Persons who force, coerce, or induce minors into marriage can face sentences of 20 to 40 years in prison. These penalties apply even if the marriage is performed informally or under cultural practices such as “usos y costumbres.”
Aggravating Factors:
If the victim belongs to Indigenous or Afro-Mexican communities, the penalties can be increased by up to 50%, bringing the maximum sentence to 22 years and six months in prison.
In addition, financial fines are contemplated that can range from 1,000 to 2,500 days of minimum wage, depending on the severity of the case.
Legal Prohibition:
Since 2019, child marriages have been prohibited throughout the country. However, the practice persists clandestinely, especially in rural communities.
Victim Protection:
Authorities have implemented protocols to ensure the protection of affected minors. This includes the intervention of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Justice for Children and Adolescents, which provides legal and psychological support.
Social Impact:
Despite the laws, Mexico ranks eighth in the world in child marriages, with thousands of minors married or in informal unions each year. This reflects the need to continue strengthening prevention and education measures in vulnerable communities.
Source: excelsior
