The Feminist Network of Gran Canaria and the Forum Against Gender Violence have highlighted a troubling trend: summer months see a rise in domestic violence against women. They stress the need for vigilance year-round and advocate for increased public training on equality issues.
In July, there were 1,932 calls to the Women Victims of Gender Violence helpline, marking the highest monthly total since the service was established in 1999. Of these calls, 61% were emergency situations requiring immediate police or medical intervention.
This spike aligns with a consistent pattern seen each summer, with past years also recording high call volumes in July and August. Elisa Pérez Rosales from the Forum stated that holidays often mean women spend more time with their abusers, restricting their movement and increasing risk. She urged for targeted awareness campaigns during these critical periods.
Nereida Vizuete from the Feminist Network noted that the increased family time during summer can exacerbate crises, particularly after major events like the recent men’s football World Cup, which typically sees a rise in domestic violence reports.
The situation reflects a broader national trend, with several gender-based crimes occurring this summer, including one at a Civil Guard barracks. According to the Ministry of Equality, 36 women have been murdered this year, bringing the total to 1,377 since records began.
Pérez Rosales emphasised the need to identify and address systemic failures in support systems for domestic violence victims. She argued that a lack of evaluation and adaptation in policy tools has left many women feeling insecure.
Both Vizuete and Pérez Rosales expressed concern over the lack of qualified leadership in critical institutions. They questioned the appointment of the current director of the Canary Islands Institute of Equality, who they believe lacks the necessary experience. Feminist groups have also criticised the vice-consellor for his background in marketing rather than equality issues.
Vizuete pointed out that inaction during the summer, when emergency calls peak, shows a failure to collaborate effectively across key sectors such as Education, Health, and Justice. She advocated for a more integrated approach to tackling gender violence, stressing that coordinated efforts could yield better results.
