Two sexual assaults in Valencia and Torrent prompt police investigation
Two sexual violence cases unfolded early on a Sunday night into Monday morning, targeting young women in Valencia and Torrent. A preliminary report indicates that a 19-year-old woman and a 21-year-old woman were assaulted by different suspects. In both incidents, police are pursuing leads, including the involvement of a suspect’s mother who is being questioned in relation to offers of money to stay silent about her son. The cases underscore the ongoing challenges around gender-based violence and the response of law enforcement and health services.
The first incident occurred in the Eixample district of Valencia. Information from local outlets indicates that two young women from another autonomous community traveled to Valencia for a few days to enjoy the city’s nightlife. After leaving a social venue, the pair met two men who invited them to a private residence in Eixample, taking advantage of the absence of the young women’s guardians. Once inside, one of the men, who was a minor, disregarded a clear refusal from the victim and is alleged to have assaulted her. The woman later reported to a hospital in Valencia, where gynecology personnel activated the sexual offenses protocol. A on-duty coroner verified physical injuries consistent with non-consensual sex, triggering the involvement of the National Police Family and Women’s Care Unit (UFAM) and its sexual assault expert team.
During the interview with police, messages were sent by the alleged perpetrator’s mother offering money in exchange for not filing a complaint against her son. This additional dimension has drawn attention to the broader social and legal challenges surrounding such crimes.
Separately, another attack occurred earlier in Torrent, near a Valencia nightclub. A 21-year-old woman was approached by a stranger as she left the venue. The man offered her shelter at his home, exploiting the moment when the woman was alone after an argument with a friend. The victim agreed and they took a taxi to a residence in Torrent. Inside, the assault occurred again in a context of coercion and non-consensual activity.
The young woman sought help from a neighbor, who contacted the 112 emergency service. A patrol unit arrived minutes later, and officers escorted the victim to a Valencia hospital for a gynecological examination and the collection of related samples for forensic analysis. These steps reflect the standard procedure for alleged sexual offenses and the care pathway for victims, including rapid medical assessment and safeguarding measures.
Regional statistics indicate a troubling trend in reported sexual offenses within the Community of Valencia. In 2021, there were 2,143 reported sexual offenses in the region, a figure suggesting an average of about 43 cases per day and a notable year-over-year increase. Penetrating sexual assault, the most serious form of sexual crime, rose by around 27% over the prior year. In Valencia city alone, 61 violations were recorded in the previous year, representing a significant rise compared to the pandemic period, with a near 50% increase. Some data points highlight that as of the first half of 2022, reported cases in Valencia city had surged markedly, underscoring ongoing concerns about violence against women. Data from internal investigations and subsequent reporting periods continue to shape policy discussions and law enforcement response.
Helplines and emergency resources remain critical in supporting victims. In Spain, the 016 number provides specialized assistance for victims of gender-based violence. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, in multiple languages, and offers confidential support that is not billed to the caller. For immediate danger, the 112 emergency number connects victims with rapid response teams. These resources are part of a broader network of services designed to help survivors access medical care, legal assistance, and ongoing protection when needed.
Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting all incidents of sexual violence and seeking timely medical care, which includes forensic examinations and support from specialized units. The public health and police response aims to protect victims while pursuing investigations, holding perpetrators accountable, and preventing future harm.