In Lleida, Irina, aged 34, was a mother of five. In Dos Hermanas, Seville, Jaqueline, aged 31, lived with three young children. These are among the latest deaths attributed to gender-based violence in Spain. In 2022, the country recorded 43 women killed by current or former partners, bringing the total since formal statistics began in 2003 to 1,176.
The Government Delegation Against Gender-Based Violence confirmed the gendered nature of both cases and noted that the killings occurred within the year. The data show a rise in child bereavement as a result of these crimes, with 373 orphaned children since 2013.
Women killed in 2022 have already surpassed the 2021 tally, which stood at 41. In both Jaqueline and Irina’s cases, there were prior complaints involving alleged domestic abuse, and two men were arrested in connection with the incidents.
Irina disappeared on a day in December; her body was later found in a warehouse near her home. Her partner, who had volunteered with a hospital mental health department, was detained on suspicion of murder. In a prior case from 2019, a protection order had been issued for Irina after allegations of gender-based violence, though she was later acquitted in winter 2020. Irina left behind three sons and two daughters aged between two and seventeen.
11 Intimate femicides in Andalusia
The death of Jaqueline in Dos Hermanas on December 17 drew significant attention as part of a rising number of intimate femicides in Andalusia this year. Jaqueline, a mother of two daughters and a son aged four to ten, had a restraining order in place and had reported harassment prior to the fatal attack, which reportedly occurred at the home. The children were kept safe by authorities and later placed with a family as they awaited family arrangements.
Today there are two cases linked to gender violence in Spain. The losses in Lleida and Seville underscore the urgent need for community solidarity in preventing such violence. The national leadership has emphasized that ending sexist violence requires unity across society.
Advocates and officials alike stress the importance of seeking help for anyone experiencing violence. A national helpline exists for all forms of violence against women, offering free, confidential support in multiple languages and without impacting bills. Information is also available by email, and psychosocial support can be accessed through designated services. Minors can contact a helpline dedicated to supporting young people in protective circumstances. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are additional resources and accessibility options. All these resources represent the broader network of services available to counter gender-based violence.
Citation: Government agencies and public safety communications regarding gender-based violence in Spain, including actions and responses by national and regional authorities.