Spain recorded its highest annual total of sexual crimes in seven years in 2022, with 19,013 registered cases that surpassed 2021 by about 2,000 and nearly doubled the 2016 figure. The report on sexual crimes against sexual freedom in Spain compiles data from all police and security forces across the country. It highlights trends, patterns, and the scale of wrongdoing that affects various age groups and communities.
Among the offenses, roughly six out of ten crimes involved sexual assaults without penetration, accounting for 11,426 cases. An additional 4,270 cases fell into other categories that relate to non-penetrative offenses. The report also notes occurrences of indecent exposure (739 cases), child pornography (707 cases), and sexual harassment (595 cases). In terms of impact on young people, the data show the continuing presence of crimes against minors, including 384 offenses described as corruption against minors and 178 acts of sexual provocation. Certain categories, such as minor pornography, technology-facilitated offenses aimed at grooming a child under 16, and prostitution-related offenses, decreased compared with the previous year. These changes reflect evolving trends and enforcement responses across the country. (Ministry of Internal Affairs, yearly report on sexual crimes)
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A notable finding is the proportion of child and adolescent victims, which stands at 44.5 percent. This suggests that in Spain, in 2022, a substantial share of victims were young people, with approximately 3,857 girls and boys aged 0 to 13 and 4,480 victims aged 14 to 17 affected by sexual crimes. The statistics underline the ongoing vulnerability of minors and the importance of protective measures, education, and targeted support services for families and communities. (Ministry of Internal Affairs, yearly report)
The study also reveals where many offenses occurred. Nearly half of the sexual assaults occurred in private residences and nearby structures in 2022, totaling 9,712 incidents. Other patterns include remote or digitally mediated contact in 3,704 cases, illustrating the dual nature of safety concerns that span both physical and online environments. The data point to the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address home safety, community awareness, and digital literacy to reduce risk for vulnerable groups. (Ministry of Internal Affairs, yearly report)