Regional police agents in Valencia responded to a case involving a woman who had been forced into marriage by her family with a man she had never met. The officers played a pivotal role in safeguarding her, helping her leave the city and seek safety in a different town.
According to the victim, she fled from her relatives and sought refuge in a facility in the city’s capital. When police arrived at the site, she disclosed that she had endured months of abuse and coercive control. Her relatives allegedly confiscated her cellphone to isolate her from friends and any potential aid, and she had resisted the arranged marriage with someone she had not chosen. It emerged that the victim already maintained a stable relationship with another person, which added to the complexity of her situation.
She also explained to officers that she did not want to return home. On the same day, she bought a dated bus ticket, expressing fear that relatives might be at the bus station trying to prevent her escape. Local patrols, collaborating with station authorities, organized a safe exit plan that allowed the woman to board the bus without drawing attention. A representative from the GAMA group, which specializes in Abuse Attention, was present throughout the operation. Even with her relatives at the police station, the team managed to move the survivor to safety without incident. She is now safe in another city and intends to report the events formally.
Meanwhile, Valencia Local Police identified the family members involved, and the security services in the destination city were alerted to assist upon the victim’s arrival.
Jesús Carbonell, the Citizen Security Councilor, publicly acknowledged the police officers who participated in the intervention. He underscored the importance of protecting women and called for a firm stance against practices that violate human rights and dignity. He also highlighted that forced marriages are prohibited under the Criminal Code, with sanctions including prison, and urged vigilance in handling such delicate situations.