More than half of the sexual assaults treated in Barcelona by the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona occur at home. According to the reference center for sexual violence, 56% of cases occur at home, whether that of the victim, that of the aggressor or that of a third party. Unlike in previous years, homes have become the main scene of these crimes.
Between January 1 and October 31, 2024, the center treated 624 victims of sexual assault, representing an increase of 12.23% compared to the same period last year. This increase could be attributed to the fact that more and more complaints are being filed, reflecting greater visibility and social awareness towards these attacks. But Dr. Lluïsa Garcia Esteve, coordinator of the perinatal and gender psychiatry program, does not rule out the possibility that these crimes will increase.
“Every year the number of attacks and the number of complaints increase, and it does not appear that this trend is ready to decrease. The presentation of this report is deeply sad, because it reflects a real scourge on our society,” underlined Dr. Josep M. Campistol, General Director of Hospital Clínic.
“These figures are alarming and demonstrate that we are facing a serious public health problem that is having a profound impact on our community,” he adds. Of the 624 victims treated, 88% are women and 12% men, while 99% of attacks were committed by men.
Compared to previous years, the number of victims who have already filed a complaint before going to the hospital has increased. Women under 25 are the most predisposed to making it official. “This means that more and more young women have the confidence and security to report their situation,” explains Dr. Lluïsa Garcia Esteve, coordinator of the perinatal and gender psychiatry program.
