The Head of the Coordination Unit against Violence against Women of the Government Delegation, Laura Segura, has highlighted that, once again, the patron saint’s parties in Melilla will have the Punto Violeta instrument, an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Equality. This resource, born during the pandemic, seeks to counteract denial discourses, raise awareness among citizens and reinforce prevention measures against gender violence and other forms of violence, especially towards women.
In statements to Televisión Melilla, Segura explained that the objective is to extend the Violeta Point to all the spaces of the Fair, so that practically all the houses exhibit a badge with signage and a QR code that directs to the action guide of the Ministry of Equality.
This guide provides clear information on how to respond to cases of violence - whether gender violence at the level of the partner or ex-partner, or sexual violence - in addition to the phones and resources available, such as 016, National Police, Civil Guard or emergency services.
“We want to make the Fair a safe space, where victims know that they have people who are aware and aware, aware of the basic mechanisms of action,” said Segura, stressing that it is a paradigm shift in prevention policies, bringing public resources and awareness massively to all citizens.
Each year, before the start of the festivities, the Government Delegation and the Equality Area of the City meet with the bunkers and bunkers to explain the operation of the Violet Point. According to Segura, the response has always been very positive, placing the badge in visible places and sometimes accompanying it with sensitizing material such as fans or merchandising.
The head of the Unit Against Gender Violence recalled that the fairs in Melilla are, in themselves, safe and do not usually register outstanding cases of sexual assaults. In the last edition, only one case of gender violence was detected in the area of the couple or ex-couple, linked to the surroundings of the enclosure.
Segura has insisted on the central message of the campaign: to go to the fair in freedom, with tranquility, respect and equality, also directing awareness-raising actions to the male population. “The important thing is to be present, to send the message and to reinforce the collective commitment so that our festivities are a safe space for all people,” he concluded.