New case of alleged sexual abuse against an 83-year-old elderly woman sparks outrage in Antioquia: authorities search for the accused attacker

NewsInvestigation into alleged sexual abuse of an 83-year-old woman in La Unión, Antioquia. Photo: Istock/El Tiempo09.10.2026 04:01 Updated: 09.10.2026 04:01 An 83-year-old woman was allegedly the victim of sexual abuse on September 26 in La Unión, a municipality in eastern Antioquia. According to the La Unión Mayor's Office, which reported the case on Thursday, October 8, the elderly woman was taken in a vehicle to a remote area outside the urban center, where the assault allegedly occurred. Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected perpetrator, who fled. The victim received medical care at the San Roque Hospital in La Unión. Photo: IStockThe woman received medical care after the Fuchsia Code was activatedThe woman was treated at the San Roque Hospital, where the Fuchsia Code was activated, a care protocol for people affected by alleged sexual violence. A representative of the Secretariat of Health and Social Protection explained that the corresponding protocols were set in motion and the authorities were informed. READ ALSO "The National Police immediately arrived at the emergency room, and the ESE provided all the medical and psychological care," the official said. He also noted that a medico-legal examination was performed at the request of the Attorney General's Office. Regarding support for the victim, he stressed the importance of acting with empathy and protecting her rights: "Remember that having empathy with victims of events like this and keeping their identity confidential is also protecting their rights." The case activated the Fuchsia Code, a care protocol for victims of sexual violence. Photo: It's Not Time to Be SilentThe mayor of La Unión speaks out about the alleged sexual abuseMayor Carmen Judith Valencia Moreno addressed the posts circulating on social media and stated that municipal entities had acted since they learned of what happened. "As mayor of my municipality, as a woman, as a mother, as a wife, and as a daughter, I want to remind you that I have a high sensitivity to everything that happens socially. Today, through social media, it seems to me that misinformation is being spread, because I want to tell you that from moment zero we activated the Fuchsia Code and all public and decision-making entities are working to clarify the incident," she said. READ ALSO The mayor explained that the decision not to make the information public from the beginning responded to the need to avoid revictimization and preserve the citizen's privacy. She also noted that the confidentiality seeks to protect the progress of the judicial process and prevent people connected to the investigation from being subject to accusations. "We have not remained silent. We have been prudent, and we do not want the population that is the object of these crimes to be revictimized," Valencia Moreno said. The mayor clarified that the municipal Administration does not have among its responsibilities the capture of the suspect or the direction of the criminal investigation. According to her explanation, its function is to activate institutional protocols, facilitate the available information, and cooperate with judicial authorities. The Attorney General's Office requested a medico-legal examination to advance the investigation. Photo: on X. @FiscaliaCol // Office of the Attorney General of the NationSecurity cameras provide evidence for the sexual abuse investigationValencia Moreno highlighted the work of the municipal monitoring center and confirmed that materials were delivered to contribute to clarifying the facts. "Not in vain, from the first moment we have activated all the institutions so that protocols are activated, the information we have on the matter is delivered, and, particularly from the monitoring center, we have provided the pertinent evidence so that this happens," she said. The La Unión Mayor's Office asks to protect the victim's identity and avoid rumorsIn another statement, the municipal Administration rejected any form of violence and expressed its solidarity with the woman. It also asked the community to refrain from sharing content that could affect the people involved. "Let's avoid spreading rumors, images, personal data, or accusations that could violate the privacy of the citizen involved or affect other people related to the case," the Mayor's Office stated. The mayor concluded with a call to respect those who go through situations of sexual violence and expressed her confidence in the judicial authorities: "We ask for prudence, trusting that the Attorney General's Office's actions will be forceful and will materialize the goals of justice that we want." The investigation continues under the responsibility of the competent authorities. #ItsNotTimeToBeSilenthtml: html: If your life is at risk, you can call 123, the emergency line in Colombia. Also, if you or a woman in your circle is a victim of psychological, physical, economic, or sexual violence, you can contact the national line 155. You can also report it on the lines of the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation at the nationwide number 018000919748, from your cell phone by dialing 122, or in Bogotá at 601 5702000. Andrés Felipe Bejarano Bejarano LATEST NEWS DESK Follow all the news about Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. 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