Between January and July this year, the Helpline for Women Victims of Gender-Based Violence (112) received 943 calls from Lanzarote, according to the Canary Islands Equality Institute (ICI). This marks a 12.5% increase from the same period last year when 838 calls were recorded.
The calls led to the activation of the Emergency Device for Assaulted Women (DEMA) on 150 occasions. Health services were required in 55 cases, while police assistance was requested in 550 instances.
Arrecife had the highest number of calls at 515, followed by Tías with 123, and Yaiza with 117.
Candelaria Delgado, the Canary Islands’ Minister of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families, visited various resources available for women victims of gender-based violence in Lanzarote. She was accompanied by Marci Acuña, the social welfare councillor of the Cabildo, ICI director Ana Padrón, and Nieves Rosa Hernández Gorrín, president of the Mararía association.
During her visit, Delgado announced that an upcoming agreement between the ICI and local councils will tailor support to the needs of each island, potentially including projects like the supervised accommodation managed by Mararía in Lanzarote.
The association currently operates three flats funded by the Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo of Lanzarote. These flats provide professional support from social educators, psychologists, lawyers, and monitors.
Delgado’s delegation also visited the 24/7 crisis centre for victims of sexual violence, one of just five in the Canary Islands. Since opening on 29 May 2025, it has supported 201 individuals, including 146 women, 18 minors, and 37 family members affected by sexual assault.
The centre offers psychological support, legal advice, and social assistance throughout the year, with no need to have filed a complaint to access services. Help can be sought via 112, 016, police forces, health professionals, or directly at the centre. Other sexual violence support resources are available in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, and Fuerteventura.
