The Canary Islands government is introducing a new decree aimed at providing financial aid to victims of sexual violence who lack sufficient resources. This regulation is designed to implement the rights outlined in the Organic Law on Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom and to promote the economic independence and holistic recovery of these victims.
Candelaria Delgado, the Minister for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families, stated, “This decree takes a significant step towards ensuring that the rights recognised by legislation translate into real and effective protection for victims of sexual violence.” She emphasised that a victim’s recovery must include support for their economic autonomy by removing administrative barriers and facilitating access to public resources for those who need them most.
Under this new regulation, victims of sexual violence who meet state requirements and are registered in any municipality in the Canary Islands can apply for these financial aids. The decree outlines the management process for the Canary Islands Equality Institute, detailing required documentation, deadlines, and payment methods.
Victim status can be verified through a judicial resolution, reports from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, or administrative accreditation from specialised victim support services. The decree also aims to simplify the application process through electronic data consultation, reducing paperwork and expediting the procedure.
Notably, the regulation prioritises applications from victims in urgent or vulnerable situations, ensuring quicker responses for those in greatest need. It also allows for the extension of aid when appropriate, outlines compatibility with other benefits, and includes procedures for reimbursements when stipulated by the regulations.
Additionally, a transitional provision ensures that applications submitted since the implementation of the state regulatory development can be processed under this new framework, safeguarding applicants’ rights.
This initiative establishes a necessary legal framework for managing these aids at the regional level and integrates this financial support into the broader Canary Islands system for the prevention and comprehensive intervention against gender-based violence, enhancing institutional coordination and support for survivors of sexual violence.
