One year ago, Spain’s Law Against Gender-based Violence came into force. This law is designed to bring together in a single instrument measures to prevent violations, to assist and protect victims of violence, as well as measures to prosecute, investigate and punish any offence committed. The law is a big and positive step forward, but a year on, obstacles continue to stand in the way of a life free from violence against women.
See full Press Release.
Also, the text of a letter to send to the Spanish Prime Minister:
Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to register my concern on the government’s response to victims of gender-based violence, one year after the full entry into force of the Law Against Gender-based Violence. Amnesty International’s report entitled "More rights, but obstacles remain" documents the way in which women who report violence against them and seek help, continue to have a number of obstacles to overcome.
Although the Law Against Gender-based Violence constitutes a step forward, the state is not responding to gender-based violence from a human rights perspective, and is failing to employ the necessary resources and take immediate action. It is essential that the Spanish government act diligently to remedy the shortcomings identified in the areas of health, assistance, policing and the courts to guarantee victims’ rights.
To this end, I am asking the Spanish government to take the necessary steps to guarantee that, by 2008, the following initiatives are in place:
• A comprehensive national health programme has been set up, guaranteeing compulsory, first-rate training for all health care employees, designed to put a stop to violence in its early stages; and that the Mental Health Strategy includes measures to address gender-based violence.
• The short-term forecasts set out in the financial element of the Law Against Gender-based Violence have been met, there is a safe house and no victim of gender-based violence who is in need of emergency accommodation is placed in a hostel or boarding house.
• There is guaranteed access to adequate, first-rate resources for all victims of gender-based violence on an equal footing, including undocumented migrants, without discrimination of any kind.
• A programme of compulsory, first-rate training has been set up for professionals working in the specialized courts, the security forces, and for anyone involved in processing cases of gender-based violence.
• All women have legal assistance available to them free of charge from the moment they file a complaint, and throughout the judicial proceedings.
I trust that your government will do everything within its power to enforce the rights of victims of gender-based violence as they seek protection and justice.
Yours faithfully,
Access contact details for Spanish PM.
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