On the surface, the city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico seems to be
a very modern and prosperous community, but the prosperity is
shared by very few individuals and corporations. The fact is
that Puerto Vallarta has a significant economically challenged
population. Along with the economic problems there is extensive
use of alcohol and drugs. Poor economic conditions, alcohol and
drug use and the relegation of the woman to a roll of second
class citizen, all lend to a high rate of domestic violence and
sexual abuse. Women are also forced into prostitution in order
to support their families and others find themselves in the
trade as a result of human trafficking business. Few women who
have been sexually assaulted or physically abused seek
assistance. Those that do seek assistance find that there is
very little assistance available to them. There is no safe
refuge for sexually assaulted and battered women in Puerto
Vallarta. These women often return to the abusive environment.