Gender violence has long been the focus of campaigns in Spain, and the need for such efforts is starkly evident as July proves to be a grim month. At the start of the summer vacation, the number of women murdered by their partners is exceptionally high.
Experts are not surprised that July sees a spike in gender violence fatalities. It is a month when women and children have more freedom due to the summer vacation in Spain. For perpetrators, this period means a loss of control. In some cases, they resort to fatal actions to regain control. Thus, vacation periods see more victims. In Spain, this is specifically referred to as “violencia machista”, gender violence stemming from sexism and patriarchal norms. Women are the primary victims of this form of gender violence.
Alarming gender violence statistics in Spain
The statistics are alarming. In the past two weeks, 10 women have been murdered, all victims of gender violence. Just over the last weekend, 5 women were killed by their partners or ex-partners, making July a dark month for Spain in the fight against this violence.
Gender violence can occur anytime and anywhere. Although factors such as age, residence, and socio-cultural context play a role, there is no consistent pattern. Additionally, there is no single scientific explanation or specific reason for gender violence. It occurs in various situations: relationships with and without children, across different nationalities, and varying employment and economic statuses. However, certain triggers for gender-related violence are known, with one of the main triggers being changes in relationship patterns, such as during vacations when daily routines are disrupted.
Summer months are grim for gender violence
The Spanish Minister of Equality also acknowledges that the summer months are particularly grim for gender violence. Perhaps due to increased contact and more time spent together, certain situations escalate to violence. It is confirmed that summer months are especially dangerous for women in situations of gender violence. During these months, women make more decisions, prompting perpetrators to respond with more severe violence.
Renewal of the state pact on gender violence
The minister held a minute of silence this Monday at the ministry. She announced a commitment to reducing gender violence statistics and called for the renewal and strengthening of the State Pact on Gender Violence. She is confident that all political parties, except the far-right Vox, will agree on new measures to advance this cause.
This year, there have already been 26 confirmed cases of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners. Since the official count began in 2003, 1,270 women have been fatal victims of gender violence.
Also read: Four women and two children murdered in three cases of domestic violence