The deputy delegate of the Government, María Rivas, held this morning a meeting with representatives of feminist organizations, and women referents in the fight against gender violence, to reclaim and value the advances in equality that occurred in our society after the approval 20 years ago of Organic Law 1/2004 on Comprehensive Protection Measures against Gender Violence.
Among other women, the Valedora del Pueblo, María Dolores Fernández Galiño, 2019 Meninas Award and Judge Paz Filgueira, 2023 Meninas Award and first judge of the first gender violence court that was established in Galicia participated in the debate on the changes brought by Law 1/2004. Former Galician parliamentarian Carmen Cajide; former Deputy in Cortes Xerais, Carmen Marón; the president of FADEMUR Meninas Award 2021, Verónica Marcos as well as representatives of UGT, CCOO, Salgada Women, Lugo Feminist Forum, Gallegas Journalists, the Coordinator of the Violence Units on Women of the Government Delegation, María Debén and the director of the Social Insertion Center of A Coruña, Carla García, also participated from the meeting.
The subdelegate recalled that the Law was a fundamental pillar in the fight against gender violence and in the promotion of equality in Spain. It improved protection and assistance to victims, made society aware of the seriousness of gender-based violence and promoted significant advances in equality.
This law, which was followed by the approval of the State Pact to provide it with the necessary funds for its implementation, laid the foundations for a more just and equitable society, where gender violence has no place and where respect and equality for all people are promoted.
Since its enactment, the law ensured a multidisciplinary intervention for women victims of gender violence, guaranteeing rights of information, comprehensive social assistance, psychological support, legal assistance and economic aid. This comprehensive intervention was crucial in providing full and effective support to victims, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and safety.
In addition, the law helped to make gender-based violence visible as a problem that transcends the private sphere, recognizing it as a violation of human rights that affects the integrity, freedom and respect of women. This shift in focus was instrumental in sensitizing society and promoting greater awareness.
In terms of prevention and awareness, the law established the need to specifically train all professionals involved in cases of gender violence. This specialized training has improved the responsiveness of public services and fostered a culture of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.
The creation of the Women’s Violence Courts was another of the law’s notable improvements, allowing more adequate care and more effective protection for victims, ensuring that their cases are treated with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.
Not an area of equality, the law had a significant impact in promoting safety measures for both victims and their sons and daughters. These measures were essential to ensure the protection and well-being of families affected by gender violence.
María Rivas highlighted the unequivocal commitment of the Government of Spain in the fight against male violence, materialized in the more than 82 million euros invested in Galicia since 2018 in actions to prevent and combat male violence. Of these, more than 73 million were transferred to the Xunta.
The subdelegate recalled in this regard, the new transfer of funds from the Pact of State last June that brings to Galicia 1,052,868.12 euros through 3 calls: personalized plans for women victims of gender violence and their children, with 63,595.40€; programs to support victims of sexual assault and/or abuse, with 529,755.36€ and program of right to comprehensive social assistance to victims of gender violence and care for minors, with 459,517.36€