Spanish authorities have scheduled a crisis meeting on September 4 to address a surge in gender-based violence against women, with 40 murders reported since the start of the year, nearly half of which occurred during the summer months. The country’s equality ministry has announced the convening of a crisis committee meeting, marking the fifth such meeting in just over a year, as Spain seeks to tackle the growing concern surrounding violence against women.
In an effort to combat gender-based violence, Spain has taken proactive measures in recent years. The country expanded the definition of femicide in 2021 to include the killing of women and children by men, regardless of whether there was a prior relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Spain also passed Europe’s first law specifically aimed at addressing gender-based violence in 2004.
However, amidst ongoing outrage over the actions of Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation, who forcibly kissed national player Jennifer Hermoso after her team’s World Cup victory in August, the latest murder has put additional pressure on the government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting Spanish women.
Mass street protests against sexual abuse and violence have taken place in Spain in recent years, with tens of thousands of women participating. This issue also gained significant attention during the country’s general election in July. The far-right Vox party, which secured 12% of the overall vote in the election, has denied the existence of gender-based violence and criticized government initiatives addressing the issue.
Despite the election results leading to political gridlock and an interim administration currently governing Spain, the acting Equality Minister, Irene Montero, emphasized the importance of breaking the “pact of silence” within Spanish society. She called for public support for women who come forward about systemic sexism, stating that Spain is a feminist society determined to put an end to sexism.
The crisis meeting in September reflects Spain’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women. The government continues to seek solutions and create a safer environment for all Spanish citizens.
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