Spain continues to experience a surge in violence against women. Last year alone, the country lost 47 women and three minors to gender-based hate crimes. The new year has started with alarming reports: in just the first two weeks of 2026, four cases of women killed by men have already been confirmed. One of the victims, attacked by her partner in Calella (Barcelona), is in a state of brain death.
Endless tragedies
The most recent incident shocked Badajoz: a 78-year-old woman was beaten to death by her 81-year-old husband. This killing brings the number of femicide victims in 2026 to four, and since 2003 the total has reached 1,346. Spain’s Ministry of Equality has been forced to revise the 2025 statistics, raising the number of women killed from 46 to 47 after confirming the murder of a 27-year-old woman in Islas Baleares.
Among this year’s victims are María Isabel, a 58-year-old mother of three killed by her husband in Olvera (Cádiz); Czarina, 43, a mother of five, murdered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; and Pilar, 38, killed by her former partner in Quesada (Jaén). Behind these numbers are broken families, orphaned children, and a society still unable to overcome this plague.
Forms of violence
Femicide is only the tip of the iceberg. Women face psychological, physical, sexual, and economic abuse that often remains hidden. Control, intimidation, and humiliation are all tools used by abusers. Psychologists emphasize that fighting this evil requires not only laws, but also a comprehensive approach. More government resources are needed, along with an expanded shelter network, quality psychological and legal assistance, as well as effective safety measures and a swift response from police and social services.
However, even with gender equality programs, their implementation across the country remains uneven. Much still depends on the initiatives of individual schools and available funding. Spain faces the challenge of making equality not just a slogan, but a reality for every child from an early age.
Education and Stereotypes
Deep-rooted stereotypes and traditional roles in families and schools hinder the development of new values. Real change requires not only government support, but also the involvement of teachers, parents, and the entire educational community. As long as patriarchal attitudes prevail in society and outdated behavioral models continue to be promoted in the media and social networks, the situation is unlikely to change.
Psychologists are convinced: the root of the problem lies in inequality and the deeply ingrained machismo in society. Without early upbringing based on respect, dismantling gender stereotypes, and teaching peaceful conflict resolution, the statistics will not change. And this is not just talk—this is the reality confirmed by the tragic events of recent years.
The role of the environment
Many cases of violence go unreported. It is crucial that not only victims, but also those around them, can recognize warning signs and know how to act. Awareness and education campaigns should target not just women, but also their families, friends, and colleagues. Only then can intervention come in time and tragedy be prevented.
Psychological and social support for women and children must be continuous and accessible. In practice, however, specialists are overwhelmed, and waiting lists keep growing. This impedes recovery and increases the risk of problems becoming chronic. Police, judges, and prosecutors need to work with an understanding of gender dynamics, and their training requires ongoing improvement.
Legislative challenges
Spain still lacks a separate law addressing economic violence that would help women access decent work and housing. In 2026, political debates may intensify over the issue of abolishing prostitution—a priority for the ruling party, though this point has not yet been included in key state agreements, and parliament remains divided.
In 2025, significant steps were taken: the updated Pact against Gender Violence recognized economic and digital abuse, and courts were granted more authority to protect women. However, judges complain about being overloaded, and technical failures in the electronic monitoring bracelet system for offenders have sparked scandal and political infighting. Minister Redondo faced criticism but insisted that victims’ safety was never at risk.
Support Services
In 2026, the Court of Auditors will review the operations of electronic monitoring bracelets and the allocation of funding for victim support. The effectiveness of crisis centers—opened nearly two years late—will also be evaluated. Victims can access the 016 hotline 24/7 in 53 languages, as well as support via email and WhatsApp. Children can turn to the ANAR foundation hotline. In emergencies, police numbers and the ALERTCOPS app, which allows distress signals with geolocation, are available.
