Ana Redondo advances law against vicarious violence
Spain's Equality Minister Ana Redondo has announced progress on a bill to combat vicarious violence, a form of abuse that uses children as tools against a partner. Redondo stresses that the law must adapt to societal changes. The text aims to recognize and penalize this reality within gender-based violence.
Ana Redondo, Spain's Equality Minister, presented advances in the bill against vicarious violence on September 30, 2025, during an interview with El País. This legislation aims to incorporate the concept of vicarious violence into Spain's legal framework, defining it as intentional harm to children to injure the mother or victim parent in gender-based violence.
Redondo explained that the draft has undergone consultations with experts and feminist organizations. "We want the law to accompany society," the minister stated, emphasizing the need for the legislation to evolve with social demands and not become outdated. The project includes measures to protect minors in judicial processes related to custody and visitation, prioritizing their safety.
The context of this initiative lies in the growing recognition of vicarious violence in Spain. According to data from the Ministry of Equality, thousands of cases each year involve this type of abuse, often overlooked in courts. The law aligns with the 2022 Organic Law on Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom, expanding protections against macho violence.
Redondo highlighted the importance of judicial training: "It is essential that judges and prosecutors understand this form of violence to apply it correctly." The text provides specific sanctions and protocols to identify risks in family settings. Although the legislative process is in its early stages, approval in Congress is expected in the coming months, following parliamentary debates.
This law represents a key step in the fight against gender violence, offering legal tools for victims and their children. Consulted experts agree that its implementation could prevent tragedies and promote more gender-sensitive justice.