Benidorm observes a minute of silence to condemn the latest gender-based violence crime committed in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid)

Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence at noon today, Tuesday, to condemn the latest femicide confirmed in Spain in recent hours by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence. The crime was committed on November 30th in the Madrid town of Torrejón de Ardoz. The victim was a 45-year-old woman murdered by her 44-year-old partner, who inflicted multiple stab wounds. The assailant committed suicide shortly afterwards.

The silent vigil in Benidorm took place at the City Hall entrance and was led by the First Deputy Mayor, Ana Pellicer, and the Councillor for Equality, Ángela Zaragozí, who were joined by other members of the local council.

Both the woman and her partner were registered in the VioGén system, which monitors victims of gender-based violence and their abusers, since 2022. The woman had two teenage daughters, aged 13 and 17, who were not at home at the time of the murder.

With the confirmation of this latest femicide, the number of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners has risen to 41 so far this year and to 1,336 since 2003, when the counting of victims began.

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.