If you have experienced violence
Violence is never ok or justified. In an emergency, call 016 and tell them what happened.
If you have children, take them with you. Consider necessities to take with you, e.g. medication, passport, important documents, cash, credit card, some hygiene items, and clothes to change.
If you have experienced physical violence, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have any pain or visible marks, go to the doctor. Explain what has happened. This is important for evidence!
Contact the free information and legal advice line, 016, a public service established by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence. This line operates 24 hours a day, and you will be assisted by professionals specialized in this area. Even if you go to safety using your own networks, still contact the authorities. It's completely okay to seek help!
If you have children in common with the perpetrator, let them know that your children are safe.
By filing a report, the violence you are experiencing is made visible, activating all mechanisms for protection, assistance, and recovery through the Judicial Authorities, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Police and Security Forces, and Social Services.
You can file a report with any of the following:
- National Police Station or the Local Police in your municipality.
- Civil Guard post.
- Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- Court of Violence Against Women or the Duty Court.
The law guarantees your right to free legal assistance through your lawyer and legal representative, in all legal proceedings you initiate related to gender-based violence.
- Pushing, punching, kicking, scratching, hitting, slapping
- Pulling hair, spitting, pinching, shaking
- Strangling
- Blocking a partner, e.g., from leaving the room
- Tearing, e.g., from clothes
- Breaking or destroying objects
- Using a firearm or blade or threatening with a gun or blade
- Threatening with physical violence
- Force-feeding, e.g., food, medication, or other intoxicants
- Preventing a partner from taking medication
- Forced sexual actions
- FGM (Female genital mutilation)
A healthy relationship is one based on the principles of trust and mutual respect. If you have recently started a relationship where control and jealousy are more prominent, and you notice any of the following behaviors, we recommend staying alert and taking action. Do not allow this situation to continue, as it could be the beginning of an abusive relationship:
- Your partner controls the way you dress.
- You don’t express your opinions freely out of fear of his/hers reaction.
- Your partner checks your phone and social media.
- You constantly feel inferior or less than him/her.
- Your partner frequently displays jealousy.
- You have stopped going out with your circle of friends because he/she “doesn’t like them".
Read more: Delegación del Gobierno contra la Violencia de Género
