Sexual violence in Catalonia: alarming trends
Catalonia has seen a significant rise in sexual crimes in recent months. In just one of Barcelona’s largest medical centers, 665 cases were recorded in the first ten months of 2025, a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The overwhelming majority of perpetrators are men, while almost 87% of victims are women. Particularly concerning is the fact that more and more incidents are occurring in seemingly safe environments — at home or among acquaintances.
A closer look at the statistics reveals a deeper problem beyond isolated cases. Increasingly, victims suffer violence from people they trust. In 60% of cases, the attackers were known to the victims, and among women, 8.5% were assaulted by current or former partners. More than half of the crimes take place in residential settings, dispelling the myth of safety within one’s own home.
A loss of security and new challenges
The situation is compounded by a rise in the brutality of these crimes. In 2025, rapes accounted for 65% of all reported cases, significantly higher than last year. Nearly 39% of victims suffered physical injuries, ranging from bruises and abrasions to fractures and attempted strangulation. In 10% of cases, the assaults were carried out by groups, with some incidents involving more than three assailants.
A particular concern is the fact that almost half of the victims were attacked while relaxing or enjoying leisure activities. The peak number of hospital visits occurs on weekends and during the summer months, when activity on the streets and in venues is especially high. In October 2025, there was a sharp spike in cases—77 recorded in a single month, just slightly below the summer peak.
Victims: age, circumstances, and impact
The profile of those affected is extremely diverse. The youngest patient was 16 years old, the oldest—89. About 38% of attacks targeted people under 25, and 5% of the cases involved minors. In most situations, victims seek help within the first 24 hours after the incident, and if a three-day period is considered, this figure reaches 80%.
The psychological effects on victims are often as severe as the physical ones. Only half of the victims are able to fully recall the details of what happened, due to extreme stress and the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the attack. Many cannot immediately decide what steps to take next. However, every case reported to the hospital is automatically referred to court to initiate an investigation.
System response and victim support
In response to the rise in crime in Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, a specialized team has been established to speed up evidence collection in sexual assault cases. Within a week after an attack, experts — including forensic doctors, gynecologists, psychologists, and police officers — work with victims to gather as much evidence as possible and reconstruct the events.
Access to support also plays a crucial role: an increasing number of victims are seeking help directly at hospitals, and more are choosing to file police reports. A 24-hour helpline is available for victims and their families, while special apps provide quick access to law enforcement in emergencies.
Society faces the issue
Experts point out that medical institutions record only a fraction of actual cases and that the true scale of the problem could be much greater. Despite the increase in hospital visits and police reports, many victims still hesitate to speak out. The healthcare and justice systems require additional resources to effectively respond and support those affected.
Sexual violence in Catalonia is becoming an increasingly visible and urgent social issue. Recent statistics clearly show: not only are emergency measures needed, but also long-term programs for prevention, awareness, and protection of the most vulnerable groups.
