The City Council observes a minute of silence to condemn the latest act of vicarious violence committed in Torrevieja

Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence this Monday at noon to condemn the latest case of vicarious violence committed in Torrevieja (Alicante). The City Council joined the call issued by the Valencian Government and the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FVMP) following the confirmation of the murder of a three-year-old girl by her 40-year-old father.

Vicarious violence is an extreme form of gender-based violence in which the aggressor uses children or other significant people to inflict the greatest possible psychological harm on the woman.

The gathering took place at the entrance to the City Hall and was attended by numerous members of the municipal corporation, led by the Councillor for Equality, Ángela Zaragozí. The minute of silence was held in tribute to the victim and in support of her mother, family, and friends, and to publicly demonstrate zero tolerance for violence against women.

The murder took place at the home of the girl's father, where he took his own life after killing his daughter. The Civil Guard arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning after the 36-year-old mother reported that she had been unable to contact him for hours and feared for the life of her daughter, who was with him.

The Department of Equality, headed by Councillor Ángela Zaragozí, reminds residents 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 an adapted service for 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, the National Police (091), or 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.