Benidorm remains silent in condemning the femicide of a woman in Murcia

Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence at noon this Thursday to condemn the latest femicide confirmed in Spain in recent hours by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence. The victim was a woman killed in the town of Librilla, Murcia. The silent vigil in Benidorm took place at the City Hall entrance and was led by First Deputy Mayor Ana Pellicer and Councillor for Equality Ángela Zaragozí, along with other members of the local council.

The victim was a 19-year-old woman, allegedly murdered by her partner. Her body was found on Sunday, October 26, in this small town in Murcia. The Ministry of Equality confirmed that there were no prior reports of gender-based violence against the alleged perpetrator, a 27-year-old man who is currently in custody.

With the confirmation of this case, the number of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners due to gender-based violence has risen to 33 so far this year and to 1,328 since 2003, when the counting of victims began.

The Department of Equality reminds the public that the 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 recommended to delete it from mobile phone call logs. This service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in 53 languages, and offers 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 operate 24/7.

In an emergency, you can also call 112 or the National Police (091) and the Civil Guard (062). If making a call is not possible 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.