The Island Council and 16 of the 31 municipalities of Tenerife They create the bases of a protocol to prevent and act against sexual harassment in nightlife areas. This was agreed by the Insular Equality Table with the intention that all municipalities adhere. It should be remembered that a similar tool recently allowed the arrest of the footballer in Barcelona Daniel Alves. The appeal was activated by the nightclub where the alleged sexual assault took place to alert the Catalan Autonomous Police, which acted immediately. The activation of the protocol of the city of Barcelona also allowed assistance to the victim.
The CEO of Equality and Prevention of Gender Violence, Priscila de León, explains that once prepared, “the objective is for all the municipalities of the Island to join in order to unify criteria and work in a coordinated and effective manner.” The protocol will also include parties, concerts or festivals.
technicians and politicians. The Equality Table was attended by technical personnel, councilors from this area of the municipalities of Adeje, Arafo, Buenavista del Norte, Candelaria, El Rosario, El Tanque, Fasnia, Granadilla de Abona, Güímar, Icod, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Orotava, Los Silos, Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and Santa Úrsula.
A similar tool in Barcelona was key to the arrest of footballer Dani Alves
De León explains that “a working group has been formed to begin drawing up a joint and consensual sexual harassment protocol that determines the necessary measures to prevent and act in these situations.” This initial group is headed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, together with the municipalities of Puerto de la Cruz, El Rosario, Adeje, Los Silos and Icod, who volunteered.
The Catalan example. In November last year, Barcelona reactivated the No Callem protocol against sexual assault and abuse in nightlife venues and areas. It did so through an agreement with the main nightclubs, festivals and other spaces to prevent these crimes. The Catalan consistory had already launched this protocol in 2018 and it was paralyzed due to the closure due to the pandemic. This time, it was agreed with the 39 nightclubs of Barcelona and with improvements. Among them the training of professionals in the sector, both managers and room staff, in activating the protocol and handling cases. One of the keys of the resource is the systematization of data. The moment an attack occurs, they will reach the municipal services in order to offer continuity and support if the victim wishes. Exactly what happened in the case of Dani Alves.
“Dark Zones”. In addition, each venue must carry out an evaluation of the “dark, hidden or that facilitate the vulnerability” of the users and “prioritize their surveillance” areas. The protocol also implies avoiding “attitudes that promote gender inequality”.
Prevention. De León informs that in March the diagnosis of the Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Gender Violence in preadolescents, adolescents and young people from 11 to 20 years old will be presented. The CEO anticipates that More than 750 young people participate in the Enrédate sin machismo program in different institutes on the Island. This year’s activities include specific workshops and the Gaia project to meet the needs of older women.
