An incident in Madrid has once again drawn attention to the issue of women’s safety in Spain. A man who had been on the run from police for more than a year after attacking his ex-wife was arrested in Seseña. This event highlights the urgent need to protect victims of domestic violence and assess the effectiveness of measures taken by law enforcement.
According to El Pais, the incident occurred on February 14, 2025. The man, a Colombian national, went to his ex-wife’s workplace despite a court order prohibiting him from approaching her. He caused a scene, then attacked the woman with several tools, inflicting serious injuries to her neck. After the assault, he tried to escape, but thanks to the swift response of those nearby and emergency services, the victim’s life was saved.
Escape and search
Immediately after the incident, police detained the suspect, but he was soon released and used the opportunity to disappear. The investigation found that the man had carefully planned his hideout: he stopped using his mobile phone, did not update his documents, and avoided any activity that could reveal his whereabouts. He lived in Seseña for a year, started a new relationship, and tried not to draw attention to himself.
The investigation was carried out by the Family and Women’s Unit (Ufam) in Toledo. The operation concluded on March 20, 2026, when the suspect was arrested near his home. During the arrest, he resisted and injured one of the police officers. He was then brought before the court, where he was charged with attempted murder, violating a court order, domestic violence, and assaulting a police officer.
Public reaction and consequences
This case sparked widespread public debate, as it once again demonstrated that victims remain at risk even when court restrictions are in place. According to russpain.com, similar incidents often occur at the moment of a relationship breakup, when the aggressor refuses to accept the partner’s decision to separate. In Spain, such cases have fueled discussions on strengthening oversight of court orders and improving protection for victims.
Police report that the man acted with extreme caution to avoid being caught. He not only changed his social circle but also completely abandoned his usual means of communication. This complicated the investigation and extended the search for many months. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the police and attention to detail, his location was identified and he was detained without serious consequences for those nearby.
Context and support
Spain offers several hotlines and support services for victims of domestic violence. The 016 helpline operates 24/7 and is available in 53 languages, and support can also be accessed via email or messaging apps. In emergencies, it is recommended to call 112, 091, or 062, or to use the ALERTCOPS app for direct contact with the police.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in cases where suspects of domestic violence evade justice by employing various disguises. For example, in 2024 in Valencia, police detained a man who had been hiding for more than eight months after attacking his partner. In Barcelona in 2025, police discovered a woman who was helping her ex-husband avoid arrest by providing him with housing and documents. These cases highlight the need for a comprehensive approach and ongoing attention from both society and authorities.
