MADRID – The number of female victims of (sexual) violence by men against women rose by 17.8% in the first three months of 2022. In almost all Spanish regions, so-called ‘gender violence‘ is on the rise despite the measures taken by the Spanish government.
During the first quarter of 2022, 40,481 women were victims of violence by men. Furthermore, in many cases, the perpetrator is the partner or an ex-partner. That is an increase of 17.85% compared to the first quarter of last year. The number of reports of sexist violence also increased by 19.33% compared to a year ago.
41,765 reports of sexual violence
These figures were published Monday by the Spain Observatory against Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. In the first quarter of this year, Spanish courts received 41,765 reports of sexual violence against women.
Sexist violence is increasing in almost all regions
Regional newspapers such as Noticias de Navarra and La Voz de Asturias have previously reported that more women have been victims of violence by men in the first three months of this year than in the first quarter of 2021.
In the Spanish region of Navarra, an average of five reports are received per day. In Asturias, the number of female victims has increased by 15%. The Spanish news site Onda Cero even reports that in Extremadura 29.9% more women were victims of (sexist) violence in the first quarter than in the same period last year.
What is the cause of this increase?
Several measures have been taken in Spain against violence against women in recent years. However, despite this, it does not appear to be decreasing. One reason for the increase, experts cite the fact that there is more vigilance around the phenomenon of gender violence. And, furthermore, more women are reporting more often.
On the other hand, the current measures, for example in the form of the new law ‘Solo sí es sí‘, are aimed at more rights for victims and faster punishment of perpetrators. This while it is possible that even more profit can be made from preventive measures that can make a difference in the long run.
What to do in case of (sexual) violence in Spain?
If you, or someone close to you, is confronted with sexual violence in Spain, call 016. This number is free and anonymous, and has been created to offer help.
