Benidorm observes a minute of silent in condemning the femicides of two women, aged 60 and 25, in Malaga

Benidorm City Council observed a minute of silence at noon this Monday to condemn the two latest femicides confirmed in Spain in recent hours by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence, which claimed the lives of two women in the province of Málaga. 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.

The first victim was a 60-year-old woman allegedly murdered by her ex-partner in the Málaga town of Rincón de la Victoria on November 22. In this case, as confirmed by the Ministry of Equality, the woman was not registered in the VioGén system.

The second murder also occurred in the province of Málaga, specifically in the town of Campillos, where on November 26th, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner. The Ministry has reported that both the victim and the alleged perpetrator were registered in the VioGén system with other partners and that both cases are now inactive.

With the confirmation of these two murders within the spectrum of violence against women, the number of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners has risen to 40 so far this year and to 1,335 since 2003, when the counting of victims began. Furthermore, the Government Delegation has reported that the murder of a 45-year-old woman in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) is being investigated as a possible new case of gender-based violence.

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 offers a service adapted 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 are also available 24/7.

In an emergency, they can also call 112 or the National Police (091) and the Civil Guard (062). If making a call is not possible in a dangerous situation, the ALERTCOPS app can be used to send an alert to the police with 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 the responsibility of all of society.