Benidorm condemns the two latest sexist crimes committed in Madrid and Guipúzcoa

Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence at noon this Wednesday to condemn the two latest gender-based murders confirmed in recent hours in our country by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence. The crimes occurred in Zarauz (Guipúzcoa) on October 15th and in Madrid on the 20th of this month.

In the first case, a 53-year-old woman was murdered by a 47-year-old man with whom she had a casual relationship. The victim had no minor children, nor were there any previous complaints against the alleged assailant, who has already been arrested. However, the man had a history of gender-based violence against other previous partners.

The second crime involved a 21-year-old woman, stabbed by her ex-partner, a 30-year-old man who was arrested at a friend's house where he had taken refuge. In this case, there were previous reports of abuse, and the woman was included in the VioGen system.

The silent demonstration in Benidorm took place outside City Hall and was led by the acting mayor, Ana Pellicer, along with the Councillor for Equality, Ángela Zaragozí, and other members of the local council.

With the confirmation of these cases, the number of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners due to domestic violence has risen to 32 so far this year and to 1,327 since 2003, when the number of victims of this type of violence began to be counted.

The Department of Equality, headed by Councilor Ángela Zaragozí, reminds us that Benidorm City Council has specialized personnel available to provide free counseling to any woman who feels threatened. They also reiterate that victims of violence against women can access the free 016 hotline, which leaves no trace on their phone bill, although it is advisable to delete it from their cell phone call logs. This service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in 53 languages, and offers a service adapted to potential 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 website, which also operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

In an emergency, you can also call 112 or the National Police (091) and Civil Guard (062). If a call is not possible and a dangerous situation arises, the ALERTCOPS app can be used, which will send an alert signal with geolocation to the police. All of these assistance methods can be activated by the victim, as well as by anyone who knows or suspects a case of gender-based violence. It is a duty of society as a whole.