Confronted with sexist violence, 016
In the Tenerife town of Los Cristianos, a man convicted by a people’s court was sentenced for the murder of his wife. The court ordered a prison term of 22 years and fines of 100,000 euros to be paid to each of his two daughters. In addition, the court imposed a 10-year period of parole following the prison sentence. The judge’s decision reflected multiple aggravating factors, including the familial relationship, a sense of betrayal, and the violence against a woman, as determined by the jury and recorded in the final ruling.
Both the Prosecutor’s Office and the special prosecutor’s office, represented by the Canary Islands Institute for Equality and attorney Francisco Javier Piñón Candan, pursued the same level of civil liability. The civil claims were later adjusted in the proceedings, with the civil liability amount discussed as part of the broader sentencing, though the exact sums for each daughter varied between arguments presented by the defense and the prosecutors. The case centered on the defendant, Angel S., who had been imprisoned since May 11, 2022, and who ended the life of his wife, Clotilde RE., in a rented residence on the southern side of Tenerife.
To carry out the act, the defendant first used a metal tool with a rounded tip and an 8.5-inch blade while the victim lay on a sofa. He then retrieved a larger knife from the kitchen, measuring about 31 centimeters, and pursued the victim toward the porch as she cried out for help and attempted to close the door. The assailant repeatedly attacked, stabbing his wife in the abdomen and left side. She collapsed on the ground after sustaining nine cuts to the body, one injury to the face, and other fatal wounds. The couple had previously lived in Vigo and had resided in Tenerife for many years, having been married for 56 years.
In the broader context of the case, the community and authorities highlighted the persistent problem of gender-based violence and the impact it has on families and communities. The court’s ruling underscored the seriousness of violence within intimate partnerships and the long aftermath it leaves for children, relatives, and neighbors who witness or are affected by such acts.
When discussing resources for victims of gender-based violence, authorities emphasize that help is available around the clock. A dedicated helpline provides expert support in multiple languages for those affected by physical, psychological, sexual, economic, or other forms of violence. Individuals seeking assistance are urged to reach out through non-billable communication options so the support provided does not appear on their phone statements. For emergencies, local services can be reached quickly through regional emergency responders who are trained to respond to crisis situations.