Benidorm holds a minute of silence to condemn the latest confirmed case of gender-based violence in Alicante

Benidorm City Council held a minute of silence at noon today, Wednesday, to condemn the latest femicide confirmed in Spain in recent hours by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence. The victim, a 37-year-old woman, was killed in Alicante.

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

The victim was allegedly murdered by her partner, and her body was found on October 24 in an advanced state of decomposition. It appears the murder may have been committed at the beginning of last month. Following the discovery, the victim's partner, a 38-year-old man, and a 41-year-old man were arrested as accomplices. The Ministry of Equality has also confirmed that there were no prior reports of gender-based violence against the alleged perpetrator.

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 35 so far this year and to 1,330 since 2003, when the counting of victims began.

The Department of Equality reminds the public 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 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 has 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.