SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 10 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo, revealed on Wednesday that Tenerife and Gran Canaria will establish round-the-clock support centres for victims of sexual violence by the end of this year, with plans for three additional centres in the works.
During a visit to Tenerife, where he met with Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, Redondo stated that the islands have received nearly 4.5 million Euros in government funding to enhance these facilities.
“The Ministry’s top priority is combating gender violence and establishing a network of resources to aid women in various forms of violence. There is an ambitious initiative to set up support centres in all provinces and island councils by 31st December,” the minister explained.
As a result, he mentioned his tour of Spain to assess the status of support centres, ascertain any progress made, and identify their needs so the Spanish Government can offer assistance where required.
Redondo emphasised that the Government is committed to upholding constitutional rights, especially in providing quality services for victims of sexual violence across Spain.
Six autonomous regions have already established at least one round-the-clock comprehensive care centre for victims of sexual violence, supported by the Ministry of Equality through EU Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan funds.
Cantabria has had a centre in Santander since October 2023, while the Basque Country established centres in Bilbao and Vitoria last year. In December 2023, Murcia opened a centre in El Palmar, and since April, Navarra and Melilla, as well as Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha, have launched their centres.
Furthermore, new centres are set to open next summer in various locations, such as Madrid, San Sebastian, Teruel, Huesca, Toledo, Guadalajara, Alicante, and Valencia, among others.
The Ministry also anticipates the opening of several new centres in the fourth quarter, financed by European funds, across different regions in Spain.
The creation of these facilities is mandated by the Organic Law on Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom, designating them as interdisciplinary public services that offer constant crisis support for victims of sexual violence and their families.
These centres will provide psychological, legal, and social assistance, as well as round-the-clock telephone and in-person support and information services every day of the year.
