In the municipality of Manilva, located on the coast of Malaga province, Civil Guard officers have detained four men suspected of involvement in the sexual assault of a woman. Two of them are considered direct participants in the attack, while the other two are suspected of covering up the crime. After questioning and a court review, all four were released; however, restraining orders were put in place for the alleged perpetrators, prohibiting them from approaching or contacting the victim.
The incident took place at the end of September. The woman contacted law enforcement, stating that she had been assaulted on a beach in the Sabinillas area, in the western part of Manilva. According to her statement, she regained consciousness on the sand, without clothes and in a state of severe disorientation. Signs of violence were found on her body, which was confirmed by Civil Guard officers who arrived at the scene. The victim was taken to a medical facility for specialized care.
During the investigation, it was established that the woman was in a vulnerable state, presumably due to the effects of an unknown substance. Investigators from the Emume unit (Equipo Mujer-Mejor) conducted a series of interviews and operational activities, which led to the identification of two men suspected of committing the crime. After obtaining a court warrant, searches were carried out at their addresses, where the clothes they wore on the night of the attack were found.
Investigation details
Subsequent police actions led to the arrest of two more individuals suspected of harboring the offenders. All four have appeared before a judge, who imposed precautionary measures on the two main suspects: they are prohibited from approaching or contacting the victim in any way. The judicial process is ongoing, and investigators are examining the evidence, including the possible use of chemicals to subdue the victim’s will.
Meanwhile, another case of sexual violence is being heard in Málaga. In early November, the court for violence against women confirmed the detention of three men suspected of gang-raping an 18-year-old woman. The crime took place on an empty lot within the city at the end of October. According to the victim, she met one of the attackers at a nightclub and was later forced to have sex against her will. Two of those arrested had previously come to the attention of police for sexual offenses.
The victim’s psychological state
In both cases, the victims were in a state of severe stress and anxiety. In Manilva, the victim was so overwhelmed that she was unable to seek help on her own and required urgent medical and psychological assistance. Doctors and specialists working with victims of violence emphasize that such incidents require not only thorough investigation but also comprehensive rehabilitation to restore the victims’ mental health.
Authorities remind the public that Spain has a 24-hour helpline for victims of gender-based violence. You can call 016, or get advice and support via email or WhatsApp messenger. In emergencies, it is recommended to immediately contact the police or medical services.
Measures and consequences
Judicial authorities continue to work on both cases, analyzing collected evidence and witness statements. If the suspects are found guilty, they face significant prison sentences. At the same time, the precautionary measures introduced aim to protect the victims and prevent possible pressure from the accused.
The situation in Málaga has once again drawn attention to the problem of sexual violence and the need for effective victim support. Civil organizations and human rights advocates stress the importance of informing the public about available resources and the need for immediate response to such incidents.
