New SARA Centre Opens in Eixample for Gender Violence

New SARA Centre Opens in Eixample for Gender Violence Victims

A new municipal service offering specialist support to women, children and teens affected by gender-based violence launches in Barcelona’s Eixample district.

Barna.News · 30 Sep 2026 · 2 min read

Specialist Support Service Launches Wednesday

On Wednesday 30 September at 11:30, Barcelona deputy mayor Raquel Gil will present the new Assistance, Recovery and Shelter Service (SARA) in Eixample at Carrer de Muntaner, 200. The service, operated by Barcelona City Council, will offer specialised outpatient care to women, children and adolescents experiencing or recovering from gender-based violence. The launch marks the opening of the second SARA centre in the city, expanding access to support across all districts. The first centre serves Nou Barris, Horta-Guinardó and Sant Andreu, areas that historically account for half of all gender violence cases in Barcelona.

Expanded Resources and Staffing

The SARA network will double its professional team with the addition of 14 new staff, including psychologists, social workers, educators, legal advisors and job placement officers. This expansion is part of a structural shift to align SARA with the city’s specialised intervention services (SIE), enabling multidisciplinary, coordinated care. Funding for the SARA programme has increased by 119%, rising from €5.37 million in 2025 to €11.78 million in 2026. In 2025, the service supported 1,280 individuals, including 903 women and 342 minors.

The arrival of new professionals coincides with a structural change in the SARA to match the specialised intervention services, aiming to offer more comprehensive ordinary, preferential and crisis support.

The city has also expanded shelter capacity, increasing emergency and medium-stay places from 41 in 2024 to 92 in 2025, while maintaining 71 self-autonomous flats and opening a second Municipal Emergency Centre (CMAU).

Services and Access

SARA provides information, personalised recovery treatment, access to protection resources in moderate or high-risk cases, and job placement support. The service is inclusive and non-discriminatory, welcoming all women, children and adolescents regardless of age, disability, legal status, sexual orientation or origin. SARA Jove offers mobile support specifically for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are victims of gender violence.

General assistance: By appointment only – call 900 922 357 (freephone). Monday to Friday, 9:00–14:00; Monday to Thursday, 16:00–19:00.
Emergency assistance: No appointment needed, 9:00–13:00, Monday to Friday at Carrer de Marie Curie, 16.

Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council. Reported by beteve.cat.