A message described as coming from a member of the UFAM group of the Vigo National Police was shared within a long email that detailed years of violence within a family. The author, a 33-year-old woman now living in the United States, explained in exhaustive terms how her father, a doctor, allegedly abused his wife and their children. The account, sent via Snapchat from the youngest of the siblings, prompted the woman to speak out after years of silence. The police responded immediately, leading to the arrest of the father, who faced accusations that included serious abuse of the woman and the children. The case was brought before the Vigo Court of Vigo Women, and authorities charged the man with multiple offenses over time. He denied the allegations in his court statement.
The family originated from Argentina but had lived in Vigo for two decades. The couple had three children: the eldest daughter, now residing in the United States, a son who lives in another Hispanic community, and the youngest, aged 13. After the May arrest, a judge granted release to the father and issued a restraining order protecting the wife and the younger child; the order had expired and was not renewed. Custody and guardianship were placed with the mother, and visitation rights were suspended for the person under investigation.
The elder sister stated she could no longer endure the situation or allow her life to be ruined. Speaking to FARO, she described how she felt traumatized and traumatized others by the events she recounted. She traveled from the United States to Vigo to testify in court in November, confirming the details in the email to the police that described the alleged abuse as well as the alleged torment endured by herself, her siblings, and their mother. The narrative included accounts of beating and degrading treatment, and the sister recalled memories from a young age that she described as marks of fear and control within the home. She remembered times at the pool when the mother was attacked, marking the beginning of a pattern of violence.
Relationship
The woman described how her father allegedly pushed her out of the house and how her brother severed ties with him. The younger brother later went to the police to report the alleged family attacks, following his sister’s steps. While several facts appear established, investigators continue to examine matters involving the mother and the younger sibling.
The father, who had worked as a doctor in another Galician province, moved away from Vigo after having faced inquiries involving two older brothers. The wife, who initially hesitated to file a complaint at Casa de la Mujer, testified in open court about ongoing physical and psychological abuse dating back to 1993, continuing up to weeks before the arrest. She also described seeing the same patterns of violence directed at the youngest child and the elder siblings, labeling the home a prison. One daughter said she urged her mother to leave the situation many times, and now feels that her mother has finally begun to recognize what happened.
The family’s patriarch denied the accusations, arguing that his wife’s testimony could have been influenced by the older children who were reportedly dissatisfied with the care they received at the time.
Judge rejects extension of protection order contrary to prosecution’s criteria
The criminal process now awaits the youngest son to provide key testimony, with proceedings set to continue in January as a preliminary step. A decision is expected in the Pontevedra State Court regarding an appeal filed by the private prosecution against a judge’s refusal to extend the protection order issued for the spouse and the minor child, a measure that had been activated after the arrest and temporary release of the accused. The extension was requested to cover an additional period, but the judge declined. The protection and communications ban had been temporary, effective from 20 May to 31 August. When the deadline arrived, both the lawyer and the prosecutor requested an extension of about six more months, but the judge did not grant it.
The prosecutor’s team described the situation as very delicate and emphasized that the signs justifying the protection order remained. A letter from the Ministry of the Interior noted that the case represented a dangerous scenario for women and children given the level of control and violence present in the home. The authorities stated the risk had been downgraded from high to moderate after a period without incidents, and the court indicated there was no longer an objective risk requiring ongoing protective measures. Other arguments cited included the fact that the person under investigation resided in a different province and had been physically separated from the alleged victims, reducing the perceived threat of revenge.