A few weeks ago we presented in Barcelona the first state report on institutional gender-based violence, driven by the Observatory of Institutional Violence Against Women (OVIM). The research, which collects and analyzes 117 anonymous cases were recorded during 2024 Through the collective reporting channel, it aims to become a pioneering tool for highlighting under-recognized structural violence. From the Associació Hèlia, one of the driving entities together with Almena Cooperativa FeministaThey recalled the collective origins of the OVIM: "It's not easy to denounce institutions, which are supposed to be there to protect you. That's why the OVIM was born as a collective initiative to move forward together," he said. Marina Oliva. Along the same lines, the companion Liliana Aragon He wanted to remind everyone that the OVIM responds, nothing more and nothing less, than to a shared need: "Where did we put the complaints that were being made invisible? We had to react to cases of institutional violence, and we couldn't do it individually."
The judicial sector concentrates more than half of the cases
Of the cases collected, the 52% are concentrated in the judicial sector, followed by the police, health, social and comprehensive care areas. The most targeted agent is "judge"a 22,6 % of the cases analyzed. The report identifies structural patterns such as the systematic denial of protective measures, distrust of victims, and the prioritization of parental rights over the best interests of children. "Parental rights are placed before the best interests of children and adolescents who are survivors of gender-based violence. Protective measures are systematically denied, and women are frequently discredited," she explained. Julia Vega, from Almena Feminista.
The report also highlights that, in many cases, institutional violence is presented as primary, that is, it is the first form of violence exercised against women by a public institution.
Revictimization and structural discrimination
On 94,4% of cases Institutional violence has been re-victimizing, while the 94% of the experiences analyzed are crossed by intersectional discriminations, Being the racism and xenophobia One of the most frequently mentioned, especially among women born outside the EU. "The overrepresentation of migrant women demonstrates how intersectionality impacts lived experiences. Each of these 117 voices reflects many more. We are facing structural violence, and therefore, each testimony has great value," she stated. Amanda Alexanian, also from Almena.
“Small mistakes and oversights bring down all the micro-due diligence lapses on us, just when we need help the most,” Blanca Tulleuda, better known as @labirabola on Instagram, recalled during her inaugural address.
Emotional impacts, violation of rights and recommendations
In almost all the cases analyzed, the institutions have hindered or impeded the exercise of human rights and access to public policies. Violations of the right to information have been identified. comprehensive repair (82,8%), to the security, (68,2%) and access to effective resources (66,7%).
The report also includes in-depth interviews These stories show the emotional, social, and life-threatening impact of this violence. Many women report being infantilized, blamed, or ignored by public officials. "Social services told me my child couldn't live without a father figure," says one of the women interviewed.
"We know that what can't be seen doesn't exist. We're still missing many cases of trans women, migrants, women with disabilities, women without a safety net... or women who haven't yet trusted the reporting channel. Help us share it and say it out loud," Júlia Vega also urged.
A collective space from the citizens
The OVIM was created by citizens and organized civil society. "We believe that creating a space where violence is accounted for is restorative. The OVIM was created by citizens for the rest of the citizenry," the organization stated. Associació Hèlia"More than 50% of the cases have been reported directly by women. This confirms that we are responding to a need for reporting," Amanda Alexanian continued.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations addressed to public institutions to ensure a adequate, coordinated and rights-based responseIn the words of Marina Oliva: "These recommendations are born from rigorous analysis, but also from a deep desire to build with institutions. It is essential to recognize institutional violence and create real mechanisms for oversight and sanction. Its absence generates impunity."
