During the first quarter of 2022, the Judiciary's forensic interview centers conducted a total of 518 interviews with victims and witnesses in vulnerable conditions.
The information was shared by Magistrate Juan Sabino Ramos, President of the Court of Appeals for Children and Adolescents, while participating in the conference: "Right to Personal Integrity of Children and Adolescents, a Fundamental Right", organized by the Directorate of Inclusive Justice of the Judiciary in coordination with the National School of the Judiciary.
"Of the 518 interviews carried out, 237 correspond to sexual crimes against children and adolescents, 91 correspond to cases of domestic violence, 30 to crimes related to abduction and seduction, and 30 to crimes related to theft and seduction of children and adolescents. seduction of minors, 9 on human trafficking and smuggling, and 26 on physical and psychological abuse," said Magistrate Sabino.
Likewise, he indicated that the Judicial Branch implements actions to guarantee a Justice of the Day and the fundamental rights of minors who must appear to testify as victims or witnesses of sexual abuse in a criminal proceeding.
The Magistrate made a legal approach to the Constitution, laws and treaties on the protection of minors and respect for their personal dignity.
The Strategic Plan of the Judiciary, in its axis Justice forits axis Justice for All and Allhas visualized the dignity, access and inclusion of people in vulnerable conditions as a priority and an institutional commitment, implementing actions to minimize harmful practices.
Among these actions The existence of a specialized jurisdiction that administers justice for the adequate protection of the rights of minors and an ordinary criminal jurisdiction committed to assisting victims in a general sense, specifically the fundamental rights of children and adolescents, was highlighted.
The Judiciary's Forensic Interview Centers are a good practice that responds to the situation of children and adolescents, guaranteeing the protection of their rights, avoiding revictimization and preserving their best interests.
"Forensic interviews allow children and adolescents to be heard outside the criminal environment, and (their testimonies) constitute advance evidence in criminal proceedings, thus avoiding the revictimization of the minor," he concluded.
