Violation of minors' rights during custody proceedings in Reynosa, Tamaulipas

Abstract

The increase in custody proceedings in Mexico has highlighted a troubling phenomenon: the direct impact on the rights and emotional well-being of minors and adolescents involved in these processes. In many cases, parents put their personal conflicts before the best interests of the child, creating a judicialized environment that negatively impacts their children's mental health. The purpose of this study was to analyze how custody proceedings affect the fundamental rights of minors, especially in contexts where parental co-responsibility is not prioritized nor are conditions of emotional stability guaranteed. A qualitative methodology was adopted based on interviews with parents and minors who have gone through these types of proceedings in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, complemented by observation in family courts. The results reveal high levels of anxiety, sadness, and perceptions of vulnerability in minors, as well as a recurring tendency toward psychological violence that is not promptly identified by the responsible adults. It is concluded that parents, by focusing the trial on the conflict rather than on the well-being of their children, contribute to child revictimization. It is urgent to strengthen interdisciplinary mechanisms for family protection and guidance.