The victims are two women, aged 48 and 36, and the youngest daughter of one of them, allegedly murdered by her father
Benidorm condemns the three femicides committed in Castellón and Madrid
Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence at noon this Wednesday to condemn the three most recent femicides confirmed in Spain by the Ministry of Equality. These murders occurred in the Castellón municipality of Xilxes and in Madrid. The gathering took place at the City Hall entrance and was attended by numerous members of the municipal corporation, led by First Deputy Mayor Ana Pellicer and Councillor for Equality Ángela Zaragozí.
Two of the victims are a 48-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter, allegedly murdered by her ex-partner and the girl's father in their home in Xilxes. Their bodies were discovered last Tuesday, the 17th. The perpetrator is in custody. The Ministry of Equality has confirmed that there were prior reports of domestic abuse against the alleged perpetrator, who had a restraining order against him.
The third victim is a 36-year-old woman allegedly murdered by her ex-partner last Wednesday, February 18, in Madrid. The victim had a minor daughter and an adult son from a previous relationship. There were also prior reports of gender-based violence against the alleged perpetrator.
With these cases, the number of women murdered as a result of gender-based violence this year in Spain has risen to 9, and to 1,352 since 2003, when data collection began. Similarly, the number of children killed by their parents due to vicarious violence has reached one in 2026 and 66 since records began in 2013. Six children have been orphaned by the murder of their mothers at the hands of current or former partners so far this year, and 510 since 2013.
Furthermore, the Government Delegation against Gender Violence reported this morning that another case is under investigation: the murder of a 10-year-old child in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, allegedly due to vicarious violence.
The Department of Equality reminds residents that Benidorm City Council has specialised staff available to provide free advice to any woman who feels threatened. They also reiterate that victims of violence against women can call the free helpline 016, which does not appear on phone bills, although it is advisable to delete it from mobile phone call logs. This service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in 53 languages, and includes a service adapted to people with disabilities.
Victims can also use online consultation services via email at 016-online@igualdad.gob.es, the WhatsApp channel at 600000016, and the online chat accessible from the Ministry of Equality's website, all of which are also available 24/7.
In an emergency, you can also call 112 or the National Police (091) and the Civil Guard (062). If it is not possible to make a call and you are in a dangerous situation, you can use the ALERTCOPS app, which will send an alert to the police with your geolocation. All these support services can be activated by the victim and also by anyone who knows of or suspects a case of gender-based violence. It is a duty of all of society.
