Mexican Woman Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison After Killing Man Who Attacked and Raped Her, Sparking Outcry from Activists and Experts

A Mexican woman who killed a man in self-defense after he attacked and raped her in 2021 was sentenced to more than six years in prison on Tuesday, prompting outcry from experts and feminist groups who said the ruling speaks to the depth of gender-based violence and Mexico’s poor record of bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.

Roxana Ruiz, whose legal defense called the ruling “discriminatory” and vowed to appeal, was attacked by the man in the city of Chihuahua in April 2021. She was able to defend herself and killed the man in the process.

“It’s sending the message to women that, you know what, the law says you can defend yourself, but only to a point,” said Ángel Carrera, Ruiz’s defense lawyer. “He raped you, but you don’t have the right to do anything.”

The Associated Press does not normally identify sexual assault victims, but Ruiz’s case has sparked outrage from activists and experts who say it highlights the need for better protection for women in Mexico. According to the National Citizen Femicide Observatory, a non-governmental organization, there were 1,006 femicides in Mexico in 2020, a number that has been steadily increasing since 2015.

The ruling against Ruiz has prompted calls for a review of the country’s laws and policies on gender-based violence, with many arguing that the law should be more lenient towards victims who are forced to defend themselves. Activists have also called for greater access to justice for victims of sexual violence and for greater accountability for perpetrators.