In a deeply troubling case that has ignited public outrage, a woman in Mexico has been found guilty of homicide after defending herself against her rapist. The court ruled that her actions constituted an “excessive use of legitimate defense,” leading to a six-year and two-month prison sentence for the 23-year-old single mother. Additionally, she was ordered to pay 285,000 pesos (approximately S$21,700) as compensation to the family of the deceased assailant.
The incident occurred in May 2021 when the woman, identified as Ruiz, agreed to let the perpetrator, Cruz, accompany her home after he claimed that his own residence was too far away. However, the situation quickly escalated as Cruz physically assaulted and raped her. In a desperate act of self-defense, Ruiz managed to grab hold of a shirt and strangled Cruz, resulting in his death.
Tragically, Ruiz’s ordeal did not end on that fateful evening. The recent judgment by a Mexican court has sparked widespread anger, given the country’s pervasive issue of violence against women. According to government data, an average of ten women were killed every day in 2022, with only a third of the 3,754 cases investigated as femicides.
Judge Monica Osorio of the state court stated that Ruiz could have merely rendered Cruz unconscious by delivering a blow to his head, considering it sufficient for self-defense. However, Ruiz argued that her very life was at stake and emphasized that she fought back to protect herself from rape and potential murder.
The ruling has provoked strong criticism, highlighting the plight faced by women in Mexico. Critics argue that the decision sends a message that women are only allowed to defend themselves to a certain extent, diminishing their rights and perpetuating a culture of victim-blaming.
Ruiz and her lawyer, Angel Carrera, have expressed their intention to appeal the judgment, citing dissatisfaction with the investigation process and the handling of her case by the authorities. Carrera warned that if the ruling stands, it could set a dangerous precedent that undermines women’s rights.
Ruiz has further alleged that the police failed to conduct medical tests to support her claim of rape. Instead, an officer reportedly suggested that she had initially consented to sexual activity with Cruz, implying that she had changed her mind. This dismissive response only added to Ruiz’s anguish, forcing her to relive her traumatic experience.
In a letter shared by the women’s group “Nos Queremos Vivas Neza” (loosely translated as “We Want Each Other Alive”), Ruiz expressed her frustration, stating that her defense was not taken into account and that her only crime was defending herself against the man who had raped her.
Despite the remorse she feels for her actions, Ruiz revealed that she has been threatened by Cruz’s mother. She stressed that her intent was not to kill her assailant’s son, but rather to ensure her own survival and protect her son from growing up without a mother.
While Ruiz is currently free pending her appeal, she is restricted from leaving the State of Mexico where she resides. During a gathering of supporters outside the court, Ruiz expressed her heartfelt desire to remain with her five-year-old son and be present to witness his growth.
