‘Rapists are mentally disturbed or frequently struggle with alcohol or drug issues’; ‘A considerable number of sexual crime reports are false’; ‘Sexual assaults could often be prevented if victims exercised greater caution’; or ‘Men inherently experience greater sexual urges, making it more challenging for them to control themselves in certain circumstances’, are among the dilemmas posed in an anonymous survey to be conducted in the educational institutions of the municipality, which will be shared on the Municipal Women’s Centre of Puerto de la Cruz’s networks, allowing individuals who wish to participate.
This initiative forms part of the awareness campaign in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on 25 November each year. The theme for this year is ‘Do not be complicit in sexual violence’, primarily targeting men, particularly younger individuals, and emphasising the importance of not remaining silent or indifferent in the face of sexual violence, highlighting that “not only aggression constitutes sexual violence; silence and inaction do as well.” Additionally, the campaign aims to enhance the quality of life for older women who are or have been victims of sexual violence, who often feel overlooked due to their own difficulties in recognising such experiences, consequently not being addressed by public services.
The aim of this questionnaire “is to understand the perceptions and attitudes of the population to allow for future interventions and deeper analysis,” stated Sandra Bacallado, the Equality area technician, who presented the campaign alongside councillor David Hernández; the Equality coordinator of Factoría Social, Valentina Metidieri; and Ana Hernández, treasurer of the Mercedes Machado feminist association.
The intention is to provide the first results early in December. “We believe that the questionnaire itself can facilitate reflection for those who respond, as there may be questions that have never been considered, and having to express agreement with a statement may provoke thought,” Bacallado noted.
The first deputy mayor additionally emphasised that “we are directing the campaign toward men, addressing the complicity we aim to eliminate, which is why we are not only focusing on sexist violence but also on the silence and inaction of men that often manifests when such violence occurs in our surroundings.”
The campaign will persist throughout the month, encompassing both physical and digital mediums, as well as cultural and educational activities aimed at combatting and raising awareness of sexual violence from various angles. Consequently, computer mats featuring the campaign slogan will be distributed, seeking to enhance visibility of the message in the digital realm, a space where sexual violence experiences growing impunity.
To effectively engage younger audiences, specific guidance is being provided to reduce the likelihood of complicity, whether actively or passively, in instances of sexual violence.
Demonstration in Santa Úrsula of the Northern Equality Network
The activities commence on 6 November at Lago Martiánez with the play ReVIVIRla, which narrates the story of Francisca de Pedraza, the first woman in Spain to successfully obtain a court ruling against gender violence. Throughout the month, the ‘Amapolas’ project will host discussions and workshops centred on gender, empowerment, and sexual relations, and on the 19th, the Municipal Market will showcase the exhibition There will be no peace without women. On the 25th, a March against Sexist Violence will take place in Santa Úrsula, organised by the Northern Network of Municipalities for Gender Equality.
