International Women's Day Marred by Femicide Cases in Spain

As the world marked International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, Spain was once again confronted with the stark reality of gender-based violence. Two recent cases, one in Martos, Jaén, and another in Blanes, Girona, highlight the ongoing struggle against femicide and domestic violence in the country.

Martos, Jaén: A Tragic Discovery

In Martos, a town in the province of Jaén, authorities are investigating a potential case of femicide after a woman was found dead. The incident, which occurred in the days leading up to International Women's Day, has sent shockwaves through the local community. While details are still emerging, the case is being treated as a possible gender-based crime, adding to the alarming statistics of women murdered by their partners or ex-partners in Spain.

Blanes, Girona: Arrests Made

In Blanes, a coastal town in Girona, Catalonia, a couple was detained by police after a woman was found dead in an apartment. The investigation has uncovered indications of criminal activity, and the case is being handled as a potential femicide. This incident follows a pattern of violence that has become all too familiar in Spain, where women continue to fall victim to gender-based violence.

Context of Gender-Based Violence in Spain

These cases are part of a broader and disturbing trend. In 2024, Spain reported 48 women murdered due to "gender violence" in relationship or family situations, with an additional nine minors killed in crimes perpetrated by their fathers or their mother's spouse[1].

The Spanish government has been actively working to combat this issue, with the parliament currently debating the renewal of the State Pact against Gender-Based Violence. This pact includes about 460 measures aimed at protecting victims and preventing domestic violence and violence against women[1].

EU Directive and Legal Framework

At the European Union level, a new directive adopted in May 2024 aims to combat violence against women and domestic violence. This directive criminalizes forms of violence such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and online violence, including non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyber harassment. However, the directive faced criticism for the lack of consensus on a consent-based definition of rape[1].

Public Response and Awareness

International Women's Day saw thousands of people marching in cities across Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona, to demand greater action against gender-based violence. The marches underscore the growing public awareness and demand for stronger measures to protect women.

In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in reported cases of gender-based violence, with many women coming forward to share their experiences. The government's efforts to update and strengthen laws, such as the renewal of the State Pact, are crucial steps in addressing this issue.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The lack of unified registers of domestic violence in some regions, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, makes it difficult to track the scale of the problem and for institutions to respond effectively[1].

The cases in Martos and Blanes serve as a grim reminder of the work still to be done. As Spain and the European Union continue to grapple with the complexities of gender-based violence, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach involving legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and support for victims is essential to creating a safer environment for women.