Best practices in the EU member states : the example of Spain Spanish State approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence TAIEX P2P studytours Defending women's rights Brussels – 23 march 2011 Santiago Morán Medina Special Office on Gender-based Violence Government of Spain

Violence against women is the single most prevalent and universal violation of human rights “VAW is a breach of the fundamental rights to life, safety, freedom, dignity and physical and emotional integrity” (EU roadmap for equality between women and men) Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Why distinguishing best practices? “Violence against women continues in every country of the world and, in some cases, even gets more intensive” (OSCE: Bringing Security Home) Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Strengthening legislation Improving the effectiveness of the Police Improving the efficiency of the judicial system Assistance to victims: the support services Guaranteeing the rights of victims Prevention: campaigns & working with youth Understanding Violence Against Women Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Strengthening legislation Improving the effectiveness of the Police Improving the efficiency of the judicial system Assistance to victims: the support services Guaranteeing the rights of victims Prevention: campaigns & working with youth Understanding Violence Against Women Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Strengthening Legislation: 2004 Gender–based Violence Act Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach: the three Ps Guarantees the rights of women victims of IPV Attends the special needs of the most vulnerable groups Some figures…

Women with measures or orders of protection (2008): Complaints of gender-based violence (2009): Gender-based violence offenders are serving prison sentences Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Strengthening Legislation: 2004 Gender–based Violence Act

Subsidized employment contracts ( ): Recipients of the labour-market insertion benefit in 2010: Aid for changing address ( ): Temporary residence permits to foreign IPV victims ( ): Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Strengthening Legislation: 2004 Gender–based Violence Act

Improving the effectiveness of the Law enforcement agencies Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Establishment of specialized police and security forces units Number of officers of the security forces specialized in gender-based violence (december 2008): Reinforcing the resources Implementing protocols and guidelines for police and prosecutors to ensure a coordinated action

Improving the efficiency of the judicial system Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Specialized courts 106 exclusive Courts on Violence against Women; 355 shared courts dealing with IPV Special Public Prosecutor on GBV Guideline of procedural best practices Integral forensic units & protocol for integral forensic treatment and proceedings

Assistance to victims: support services Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Helpline for information and legal advice on gender-based violence Calls to 016 ( ): Daily average of calls: 188 Number of calls in 2010: Website on resources of support and prevention for victims of gender-based violence (W.R.A.P.)(W.R.A.P.)

Guaranteeing the rights of victims Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence The mobile tele-assistance service for victims of gender-based violence Users of the mobile tele-assistance service: Electronic monitoring system of restraining orders for gender-based violence offenders Electronic devices in operation: 575

Awareness Raising Campaigns Show red card to violence Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Working with Youth Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Project “Less is more. Cinema to be the voice of those who say nothing faced with the gender- based violence” Comic “Taken with you”

Understanding Violence Against Women Best practices: Spanish approach to addressing Intimate Partner Violence Website of the Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality Research and publications

Web Secretary of State of Equality

Thank you Merci Gracias