The victim of the Igualada case spoke in court this Tuesday, revealing that she is pursuing a case that has shocked the public. The judge regards this statement as a preconceived test, meaning the young woman may not appear again, while the judiciary proceeds without her direct stake, with the attacker facing up to 26 years in prison.
The daughter’s mother recalled how nervous the family was before Tuesday’s announcement. Sleepless nights followed, with the daughter waking every hour and saying to her father, I don’t want to go, what can I say, I don’t remember anything.
That moment wasn’t easy, but the family believes the team of professionals around the girl has provided clear guidance. Psychologists and other specialists have supported them, and the daughter has required rest after the court appearance.
Now the moment has arrived to acknowledge it. The family is hopeful and grateful, and they felt it was appropriate to share the experience with the public, after asking for their daughter’s consent to proceed.
Why did the family choose this public interview? They explained that they could not face the process alone and wished to honor the people who cared for the girl. The interview began with staff and workers on the hospital floor, who have given ongoing support through the girl’s 17th birthday. The surgical team is especially worthy of recognition for their patience and skill, led by Dr. Palazón, a trusted clinician who has repeatedly asked the family not to over-compliment him, though they intend to do so as long as they live.
Other individuals acknowledged included the neuropsychologists who attend to the girl around the clock, Anna, a hospital staff member who assisted at Manresa court, and Mayor Xavi, who helped her return to school. The family also expressed gratitude toward a truck driver who acted as a guardian angel in the moment of danger. The driver’s presence, they believe, prevented a murder as the assailant approached the vehicle. The father explained that the driver’s headlights scared the perpetrator away, and he blames the delay for the near-tragic outcome on the time required to explain the situation to authorities. The daughter had suffered serious injuries and was bleeding in multiple places, which the family recalls vividly.
The media coverage of the case has been a mixed bag, with some reporting information that caused pain for the family. Politically, figures such as Laura Borràs visited the hospital and interacted with the family, while Tania Verge, a leader in equality and feminism, stayed in touch frequently. The family values these gestures but notes that a simple, genuine show of care stands out more than anything.
Has the Mossos d’Esquadra force earned credit? Certainly. The family apologizes for any frustration they felt during the wait for arrests, but acknowledges that the Central Unit for Sexual Aggression and its researchers, including Esther and Sandra, were deeply supportive. They visited the hospital, stayed with the girl, and offered reassurance that the suspect would be found, even stating they would locate him sooner or later.
The family believed in the truthfulness of the investigators, as they are known for presenting credible cases. They arrived at the home in the early hours of the morning to deliver the good news that the suspect had been found, and they remained with the girl throughout the day, even accompanying her to school and waiting outside.
The arrest process took a toll on the family, sparking two severe anxiety attacks that required medical attention. The daughter, who is still young and studying, has endured significant medical challenges, including post-surgical recovery and ongoing listening to the body’s signals, headaches, stomach pain, and other effects related to the trauma and medical procedures.
What does the future hold? The daughter’s recovery will take time, and doctors emphasize that memory may improve as she grows stronger and continues her studies. There will be ongoing emotional sequelae, but the family believes the worst is behind them. The daughter will take the lead in navigating the aftermath, though it will come at a personal cost.
Perhaps the hardest aspect has been the emotional burden others ask her to bear. The family laments that no one can truly step into the girl’s shoes, given the depth of the experience. For months, she faced difficult daily routines that were interrupted by the crisis, including medical care needs and ongoing therapy. This part of the journey is over, the family notes, and with today’s statement, the girl’s participation in the judicial process concludes for now. There is hope that the world will allow her to heal with privacy intact, recognizing that she is just a young person who survived a brutal incident.
Among the small mercies found in the ordeal, the family recalls discovering that there are still good people who respond with compassion. This realization has given them a different spark of faith in humanity as they move forward.