Benidorm observes a minute’s silence to condemn the latest confirmed gender-based murder in Santander
The number of women killed by their partners or former partners has risen to 33 so far this year and to 1,374 since 2003
Gender-based violence has already left 23 children orphaned in 2026, a figure that has risen to 533 since 2013
Benidorm City Council held a minute’s silence at midday on Tuesday as a show of condemnation and rejection of the latest confirmed case of gender-based violence in Spain, as reported by the Ministry of Equality. The crime took place in Santander on 31 July. The silent gathering was held outside the City Hall and was attended by members of the municipal corporation, led by Mayor Toni Pérez and Councillor for Equality Ángela Zaragozí.
The victim was a 27-year-old woman who died last Friday, 31 July, from stab wounds allegedly inflicted by her partner, a 39-year-old man with whom she had a young child. According to the Ministry of Equality, there had been no previous complaints of gender-based violence filed against the alleged perpetrator.
With the confirmation of this case, the number of women murdered as a result of gender-based violence in Spain has risen to 33 so far in 2026 and to 1,374 since 2003, when official records began. Gender-based violence has also left 23 children orphaned so far this year and 533 since 2013.
The Department of Equality has reminded residents that Benidorm City Council has specialised staff available to provide free advice and support to any woman who feels threatened. It has also reiterated that victims of violence against women can access the free 016 helpline, which does not appear on telephone bills. However, it is recommended that the call log be deleted from mobile phones. The service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, is available in 53 languages, and offers assistance adapted to people with disabilities.
Victims can also access online support services through the email address 016-online@igualdad.gob.es, the WhatsApp service on 600 000 016, and the online chat on the Ministry of Equality’s website. These services also operate 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
In an emergency situation, people can also call 112 or contact the National Police (091) and the Civil Guard (062). If it is not possible to make a phone call and there is a dangerous situation, the ALERTCOPS app can be used to send an alert signal to the police with the user’s geolocation.
All these support services can be activated by victims themselves or by anyone who knows about or suspects a case of gender-based violence. It is a responsibility shared by society as a whole.