In 2024, medical services in the Basque Country (País Vasco) registered 2,121 cases of women seeking help after experiencing violence. This figure is nearly 3.2% higher than the previous year. On average, about six new cases were reported daily. Particularly alarming is the increase in sexual assaults, which rose from 268 to 374 in a year, with a significant portion of the victims being minors.
Preliminary data for the first nine months of 2025 show that 299 women have already received medical care following sexual assaults. These numbers point to a persistent upward trend in such crimes and highlight the urgent need for reinforced prevention efforts and support for victims.
Distribution of cases by province and age
The highest number of reports came from the province of Vizcaya (Vizcaya) with 1,202 cases, slightly below last year’s figure. Guipúzcoa (Guipúzcoa) saw a significant increase—599 cases, up 16.7% from 2023. In Álava (Álava), the number of cases remained nearly unchanged, totaling 320.
Of particular concern is the fact that four out of ten victims of sexual assaults are minors. This highlights the growing vulnerability of young girls and the need for special attention to this group.
The role of the healthcare system and prevention
Regional medical institutions play a key role in identifying and supporting victims. Most cases have been detected in emergency departments and during initial consultations. Over the past ten years, more than 21,000 healthcare workers have undergone specialized training on how to respond to cases of violence against women. Detailed protocols and guidelines have been developed for them, covering both prevention and emergency assistance.
Regional authorities emphasize the importance of early detection of such cases, as medical institutions are often where many victims receive vital support for the first time. As part of prevention and awareness efforts, regular training sessions are held for staff and information campaigns are conducted for the public.
Public response and new initiatives
In 2024, the region launched a large-scale campaign to draw public attention to the problem of violence against women. The main message is to highlight that this is not just a personal tragedy, but a challenge for society as a whole. Residents are urged not to remain indifferent and to support victims, in order to prevent the normalization of such incidents.
Authorities note that the increase in reports may be due not only to a rise in actual cases, but also to better detection and greater trust in the healthcare system. Nonetheless, the scale of the problem calls for further development of comprehensive support and prevention measures, as well as active participation from all sectors of society.
Statistics and Future Challenges
Data from 2024 clearly shows that the issue of violence against women in the Basque Country remains acute. Despite the efforts of medical and social services, the number of victims has not decreased. Particularly concerning is the increase in the number of minors among the victims of sexual assaults.
Experts emphasize that effective action against this problem requires not only medical and legal measures, but also a change in public attitudes. Only through joint efforts can the number of such crimes be reduced and safety for all women in the region be ensured.
