Barcelona's pioneering specialised forensic unit for sexual violence victims has provided support to 920 individuals across Barcelona and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat in its first 18 months of operation. This service, the first and only of its kind in Spain, significantly improves the immediate care and evidence collection for victims of sexual violence.
Immediate Care for Victims
Eneko Barbería, director of the Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de Catalunya (IMLCFC), highlighted the critical role of timely intervention. "In this type of violence, time is a critical factor because the longer it takes until the examination, the greater the risk that traces will disappear," Barbería explained. The unit, implemented in February 2025, allows professionals to act "much more immediately." It reduces waiting times and enhances attention for the average of two sexual violence victims arriving daily at the institute's partner hospitals. Barbería celebrated the unit's approach, stating, "What we have fundamentally gained is a vision closer to the victim, giving them the specific space they need, and allowing forensic experts to conduct examinations knowing they will dedicate themselves solely to that person."
How the Specialised Unit Operates
The specialised unit operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It comprises around 20 of the IMLCFC's nearly 60 forensic experts. These professionals train specifically to assist individuals who have experienced recent abuse, typically within the preceding seven to ten days. Barbería detailed the forensic intervention: "Their work involves collecting samples important for the judicial procedure and assessing any physical and psychological sequelae or injuries." This process guides itself by the victim's testimony and follows increasingly formalised protocols. Barbería also reminded victims to seek hospital care as soon as possible without manipulating themselves, if feasible. This helps guarantee good collection of samples, which often become key objective evidence in judicial proceedings.
Rising Frequency of Cases
Barbería lamented the rising frequency of such cases, noting, "Unfortunately, attending to victims of sexual violence is an increasingly frequent action." This concerning trend was a primary driver for establishing the specialised unit. The service currently focuses on Barcelona and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat due to their high population density. These areas also host key reference hospitals: Clínic, Vall d'Hebron, and Bellvitge. Beyond increasing numbers, sexual violence has become de-seasonalised, occurring throughout the year. Data shows that 90% of cases affect women, most of whom are under 30 years old. Additionally, one in eleven victims experiences multiple aggressions. Often, victims have been affected by the consumption of toxic substances like alcohol. These substances place individuals in "situations of maximum vulnerability," explains the IMLCFC representative.
Broader Context and Recognition
The unit's pioneering approach has earned recognition, including an award from the Consejo General del Poder Judicial (General Council of the Judiciary). Barbería emphasised the broader societal shift, observing, "For years, there has clearly been greater awareness of the issue." He pointed to the approval of specific laws against this type of violence. Additionally, authorities transferred case jurisdiction to specialised courts. Media coverage of these crimes has also expanded, reflecting increased public attention and understanding. The IMLCFC created the specialised unit in response to this "social demand," ensuring a more focused and sensitive response. Barbería added that "a good initial expert assessment can help a process of reparation begin later."
Following its successful first 18 months, the forensic unit is now considering expanding its services to cover the wider Barcelona metropolitan area, Barbería confirmed. This pioneering initiative has already inspired numerous legal and forensic medicine institutions across Spain. However, Barbería concluded with an aspirational thought: "Ideally, it would disappear because it would not be necessary." This reflects a hope for a future where such a specialised service is no longer required due to the eradication of sexual violence.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
