For years, the Community of Madrid has worked to offer comprehensive assistance to women, victims of violence, a problem that does not discriminate against age, social class or environment. The regional government has always shown its firm commitment to assisting and accompanying these women in the recovery process, one of its most recent actions being the opening of the second 24 hour Crisis Center.
This new resource, located in the center of Madrid, has been designed to serve women over 16 years of age who have suffered sexual violence in the last year. It offers multidisciplinary assistance through a team of professionals in psychology, social work, social education and law. As a novelty that distinguishes it from other 24-hour crisis centers, we must highlight that, in addition to outpatient care, this center has residential spaces in case the woman who has suffered the attack needs to leave her closest environment. You will then have that safe and stable environment for the moment of crisis while you begin the recovery process.
Understanding the complexity of this problem, the support provided here is not limited to the victims, but also extends to children who are minors and direct relatives, in addition to support people, those with an external relationship. to the family member who can promote his recovery. Since its recent opening, this second center has already been able to help thirteen women.
To treat each case in a personalized way, a multidisciplinary team of 27 highly qualified professionals come together to provide comprehensive care. Thus, the resource has psychologists, lawyers, social workers and educators, who intervene from the first moment of crisis to the legal guidance necessary so that women can make informed decisions. In addition, the service is available at all times, reinforced by a telephone helpline and the possibility of mobilizing the team to the place where the victim is in case of emergency.
This new center joins the first of its kind in the regional Administration, opened in February 2023, which has already served almost 300 women and 85 family members in person, and nearly a thousand people by telephone. Both resources are part of a broader network that includes the CIMASCAM (Comprehensive Care Center for Women Victims of Sexual Violence)inaugurated in 2009 and pioneer in Spain. The latter addresses cases in which violence occurred more than a year ago, complementing the services of the 24-hour Crisis Centers. Furthermore, the support network of the Community of Madrid includes a wide variety of resources: from supervised apartments and residences for victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation to specific devices for young people and women in situations of social reintegration. Soon, a new center for young women with intellectual disabilities and another specialized in helping women who wish to leave prostitution will be added, reinforcing the region’s personalized approach.
Although the property belongs to the Community of Madrid, its rehabilitation has been possible thanks to the co-financing of the European recovery and resilience funds within the Spain protects you program.
no one is left behind
The fight against sexual violence in Madrid is not only a question of resources; It is a social and political commitment that translates into concrete actions. The Comprehensive Law 5/2005 against Gender Violence of the Community of Madrid continues to be an essential framework to address this problem from a comprehensive perspective, covering everything from prevention to the recovery of victims.
At a time when many women continue to face fear, silence and stigmatization, these Crisis Centers represent a light of hope and a clear message: they are not alone, and they will not be abandoned. For this reason, the regional government reminds all victims that through the telephone line 900 599 316, any woman who has suffered sexual violence can receive immediate assistance. The expansion of this network is a reminder that, although the road to a violence-free society is still long, every step counts, and the Community of Madrid continues to lead this effort with determination, consistency and empathy.