Spain Extends Deadline for 24-Hour Crisis Centers for Sexual Violence Victims
The Ministry of Equality in Spain has announced an extension of six months, until June 2025, for autonomous communities to establish 24-hour crisis centers tasked with providing comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence. This announcement, made on Thursday, aims to offer more flexibility in the execution and justification of the credits from the Next Generation funds allocated by the European Union (EU).
Ana Redondo, the Minister for Equality, stated that this decision is intended to ensure that the centers will meet the minimum structural and service requirements dictated by current legislation. The government is set to convene an Extraordinary Sectoral Conference on Equality next Monday, December 23, to formalize the agreement that grants this extension.
Despite the new deadline, the Ministry of Equality has received assurances from various autonomous communities and cities that a majority of the planned 24-hour crisis centers will be operational by the end of this year. Since 2021, the Ministry has allocated 83 million euros to these regions from the EU's Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, aimed specifically at creating centers for the support of sexual violence victims.
According to the guidelines established by the Organic Law for the Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom, these centers will have to provide permanent care and rapid action, offering psychological, legal, and social support to victims and their families. Equipped with trained staff, the centers will be available 24/7 via telephone, telematics, and in-person support throughout the year.
This initiative is designed to ensure that whenever a victim calls for help—whether it's day or night, any day of the year—urgent action protocols can be activated. Trained professionals will be available to provide immediate assistance, including in-person and emotional support tailored to the specific situation of the victim, regardless of their location.
The extended timeline and the commitment from the Ministry reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for accessible resources and support for individuals affected by sexual violence in Spain. By reinforcing the framework around these crisis centers, the government aims to foster a more responsive and responsible approach to victim assistance.
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