By The Star Staff
Sen. Marially González Huertas, the alternate minority leader for the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) in the upper chamber, along with PDP Reps. Estrella Martínez Soto and Swanny Enit Vargas Laureano, denounced on Tuesday what they characterized as the total inaction of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón in the fight against gender violence.
The legislators emphasized that González Colón has failed to appoint a women’s advocate or present a clear public policy to address the crisis of violence against women afflicting the island.
“While the crisis worsens and victims continue to suffer at the hands of their aggressors, families mourn their daughters, and the system fails to respond adequately, Governor Jenniffer González remains without a Women’s Advocate, a clear strategy, or any sense of urgency,” González Huertas said in a written statement.
Estrella Martínez, a member of the Women’s Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, added that despite González Colón’s initial promises to combat gender violence, her lack of action demonstrates that the issue is not a priority for her administration.
“Not only do we still lack a Women’s Advocate, but there have also been no concrete strategies presented to address femicides, abuse, and the lack of resources for survivors,” Martínez stressed. “Gender violence is not something that can be delayed.”
She criticized the governor’s justification for inaction as unacceptable and highlighted that it endangers the lives of numerous women.
“The Governor had the chance to prove her commitment to women’s safety, but she has failed at even the most basic level,” Martínez said. “Her excuse for inaction -- waiting for confirmation from the Secretary of Justice -- serves only to undermine the urgency of the problem. The truth is, this issue has never been a priority for the NPP [New Progressive Party], and her neglect confirms that.”
Vargas also pointed out that the governor’s inaction makes her complicit in “a system that continues to fail women.”
“Gender violence is an ongoing crisis, yet Governor Jenniffer González has chosen to ignore it,” she said. “Her lack of urgency and apparent disinterest make her an accomplice […]. If she has not managed to fulfill something as fundamental as appointing a Women’s Advocate or establishing a real strategy since taking office, what does that say about the rest of her government program?”
“The safety and lives of women in Puerto Rico depend on tangible actions, not bureaucratic excuses,” the legislators added. “The absence of an appointment and a clear plan is not only disrespectful to all the women who trusted her leadership, but it also poses a significant risk to their lives.”
コメント