The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, is giving new impetus to the protection of Spanish women who are victims of violence abroad on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, placing Spain, once again, at the forefront in this area.
One of the major advances that explains Spain's leadership in this area, which is one of the Minister's priorities, has been the broadening of the concept of violence against women through the new Inter-Ministerial Cooperation Agreement for the Care, Transfer and Return of Spanish Women Victims of Violence Abroad of 2024.
This agreement covers different and new types of violence against women compared to the 2015 Protocol by including, among other things, rape and female genital mutilation. It also includes the innovative participation of the Ministries of Justice and the Interior, both of which are essential for improving assistance to Spanish women who are victims of violence abroad.
This new framework was reinforced in 2025 with the signing of a new agreement with the Fundación Abogacía, which offers free legal assistance to victims considering returning to Spain. The importance that Minister Albares attaches to this assistance is also reflected in the creation of the position of Coordinator for Violence against Women Abroad, Minors and Social Assistance.
Assistance and support
Albares has enabled the overseas assistance network to recognise the particular vulnerability of Spanish victims abroad, contributing to the design of an inter-ministerial collaboration framework that facilitates the protection and return of Spanish victims when the situation requires it. This system provides victims with the necessary assistance through Spanish consulates, which are considered Purple Points where victims or their families can go to request help.
When a case is reported, Spanish consular offices abroad provide information on the victim protection system in the country where they are located and on any useful local resources that may be available to them, including, among others, helplines and websites with general information; emergency numbers; the existence of local support services; medical centres and hospitals; shelters, refuges and emergency accommodation networks; and NGOs and lawyers.
The possibility of repatriating the victim and the provision of financial assistance, which so far this year amounts to around €50,000, are also part of the comprehensive assistance offered. If the Spanish victim does not return to Spain and maintains her residence abroad, the competent consular office will periodically monitor her situation and continue to provide all necessary consular assistance.
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