In a span of less than 24 hours, Spain was struck by three devastating incidents of domestic violence, resulting in the deaths of four women and two children. These heart-wrenching events occurred in Las Pedroñeras (Cuenca), Zafarraya (Granada), and Fuengirola (Málaga).
Heartbreaking loss in Las Pedroñeras
In the municipality of Las Pedroñeras, the Guardia Civil discovered the bodies of a woman and her two children. They are believed to have been murdered by the woman’s ex-husband and the children’s father, who is now in custody. The woman was part of the VioGén system, designed to protect women from gender-based violence.
Initial reports suggested the mother and her children, aged five and seven, had been dismembered. However, it was later confirmed that their bodies had been hidden in a chest. A witness reported their disappearance, prompting a search that ended with the tragic discovery in a nearby house.
Mother and daughter killed in Zafarraya
In Zafarraya, a 20-year-old woman and her 45-year-old mother were found dead on Saturday morning. The young woman’s ex-partner, who is believed to have committed the murders before taking his own life, forced his way into the house with a key. The attack occurred while the young woman was on the phone with a friend, who immediately alerted authorities. The woman had recently ended the relationship. However, there were no previous reports of abuse or entries in the VioGén system.
Strangling in Fuengirola
A 76-year-old woman was strangled in Fuengirola, allegedly by her 75-year-old partner, who then attempted suicide. He is currently out of danger and has been arrested. Emergency services responded to a distress call at 11.10 pm on Friday night. This case also had no prior reports of domestic violence.
“Black day” for Spain
Ana Redondo, the Minister of Equality, called this day a “black day” for Spain and emphasised the urgency of acknowledging and combating gender-based violence. She urged for daily condemnation of such violence, stressing its structural nature and its hindrance to achieving equality. Redondo announced a special meeting on July 4 to assess these incidents and called for increased awareness and action to address these deep-rooted issues.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the PP, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and highlighted the need for effective policies and adequate resources to combat such violence.
533 daily cases of domestic violence
Domestic violence remains a significant issue in Spain. In 2023, 194,658 women were victims of gender-based violence, a 10% increase from 2022, according to the Spanish Observatory against Domestic and Gender Violence. Moreover, this equates to 533 cases daily. However, there was an increase in the percentage of female victims utilising legal protections and requesting protective orders.
Support for victims of gender-based violence
Victims of gender-based violence can seek help by calling the emergency number 016, which offers 24/7 support in 53 languages. Assistance is also available via email (016-online@igualdad.gob.es), WhatsApp (600000016), and for minors through the ANAR Foundation (900 20 20 10). In emergencies, individuals can call 112, the police (091), or the Guardia Civil (062), and use the ALERTCOPS app to send a geolocated emergency alert to the police.
Also see:Significant rise in gender-based violence victims in Spain since 2011