A Heartbreaking Scream that Breaks the Silence
In a world where innocence should be an inviolable sanctuary, a terrifying truth emerges from the shadows, shaking the foundations of society. The educational authorities have stood as sentinels in an epic battle, declaring themselves absolutely intolerant of sexual abuse and child abuse. It is not a mere declaration of principles; It is a solemn oath. Schools, those temples of knowledge and development, must be consecrated as safe places, impenetrable fortresses where girls, boys and adolescents not only learn, but can laugh and dream without the ghost of fear lurking in the hallways. This was vehemently proclaimed by the head of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), Mario Delgado Carrillo, in a moment that would mark a before and after.
At her side, as a crucial ally in this crusade for dignity, was the Secretary of Women, Citlalli Hernández Mora. Together, on a stage that was much more than an auditorium, they revealed figures that freeze the blood in the veins. More than 16% of girls and boys, in the fragile age of 10 to 13 years, acknowledge having lived the nightmare of sexual abuse. But the tragedy deepens, acquiring an even more gloomy tone when looking at teenagers aged 14 to 17: the figure skyrockets to almost 38%, an open wound in the heart of the nation. To seal this picture of horror, four out of every ten sexual crimes involve minors as victims. These are not simple numbers; They are stories of pain, they are stolen childhoods, a cry that cries out to strengthen prevention and protection measures immediately and forcefully.
“Today, at this crucial moment, we break the silence forever,” declared Delgado Carrillo, his voice charged with iron determination. “We do it under the sacred premise: I see you, I believe you and I take care of you. Because protecting childhood is not an option; it is protecting what is most valuable and pure in our country, it is safeguarding the very future of our country.” With these words, not only was a campaign started, a torch of hope was lit in the darkness.
The Journey That Aims to Change Destiny
The epicenter of this transformative movement was the Profesora Rosa Navarro primary school, in the Iztacalco mayor’s office, in Mexico City. There, when leading the Awareness Day about the overwhelming seriousness of sexual abuse and child abuse, it was highlighted that shielding these schools would have a positive impact that would transcend the classrooms. This shock wave of protection would reach homes, the family environment, sowing a culture of respect and care that could heal generational wounds.
In a decisive turn of events, the federal official made an announcement that would resonate like an echo of justice: that same Monday, the Agreement 09/25/25 had been published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF). This document is not another bureaucratic paper; It is a shield, a weapon, a beacon. Establishes the definitive guidelines for prevention, care, detection, intervention and non-repetition measures in cases of sexual violence and child abuse in basic education. It is the battle plan against an invisible enemy.
But a strategy needs tools. The Undersecretary of Basic Education, in an unprecedented move, made an arsenal of online teaching materials available to all school communities. Meticulously designed posters and guides were deployed to reinforce awareness in every corner of the school community, arming teachers, parents and students with the knowledge necessary to advocate and defend themselves.
These actions, woven with urgency and precision, seek to transmit a clear and powerful message to each girl, boy and adolescent: they are not alone. They deserve to grow up well, happy, and violence is never, under any circumstances, a legitimate way to educate. “Every gesture, no matter how small it may seem, counts in this silent war,” he stressed with passion. “A kind word can be a balm, an adult who listens can be a lifesaver, a teacher who believes can be the hero who changes everything. A protocol that is rigorously followed can be the barrier that stops tragedy. Thus, brick by brick, a country is built where childhood flourishes without fear.”
An Alliance for the Survival of Innocence
The Secretary of Women, Citlalli Hernández Mora, took the floor with the seriousness that the moment demanded. He recognized the monumental importance of starting this day and joined with fervor in the tasks of raising awareness through the tireless promotion of rights. Their weapon: the dissemination of the Women’s Rights Booklet, a document that must be known, exercised and respected by girls, boys, mothers, fathers and by each of the educational authorities. Because childhood protection is not a solitary task; It is a collective responsibility, a social pact that we must all honor.
In an emotionally charged intervention, he pointed out that child sexual abuse is a painful topic, a monster that is difficult to verbalize and listen to. Precisely for this reason, he highlighted the courage to hold this event, a space for mothers and fathers to learn to identify the subtle but crucial signs of risk. “You have to be on the lookout, always alert,” he warned. “Understand them when they show strange behavior, when irritation consumes them, when something inside is not right. You have to ask them and, above all, give them absolute confidence that they can tell what is happening to them without fear of being judged or not believed. Their voice must be heard.”
Addressing directly to the girls and boys present, with a tone that was both firm and loving, the secretary explained that at this stage of life the course of their future is decided. And then, he emphasized with a clarity that cut the air: “Schools must always be, without exception, a safe space. A refuge where they can be calm, live in peace, where no one hurts them, where no one touches them without their consent, where no one mistreats them. It is their fundamental right.”
The alliance was strengthened with the presence of the executive secretary of the National System for the Comprehensive Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents (Sipinna), Lorena Villavicencio Ayala. He indicated that the installation of this day in the school calendar is not an isolated event; It is the piece that complements the guidelines and protocols of respect and safety designed to protect children and adolescents. He commented that all these efforts must become a tangible and effective tool to guarantee the right of students to an education in safe and protective environments, to live a life free of violence and abuse, and to recognize their own voice in making decisions that affect them.
The SEP has deployed all its resources. It has made available to the school community of the public basic education schools in Mexico City an arsenal of informative materials, practical guides, action protocols and essential teaching resources for the prevention and care of child mistreatment and sexual abuse. All this vital material is available, ready to be used, on the page of the Child Sexual Abuse and Abuse Care Unit (UAMASI): www.aefcm.gob.mx/uamasi/.
This is not the end of the story; It’s a new chapter. Share this crucial information on your social networks to help break the silence. Together we can create a protection network. Explore more content related to child safety and learn how you can be part of the change.
