Valencia police agents from the GAMA unit arrested an 83-year-old man on charges of gender-based violence against his partner, who is 56 years younger. The accusation centers on a pattern of abuse that spanned many years, including threats, insults, and ongoing harassment. Police say the arrest happened on Tuesday afternoon, with officers from the Fifth District Division handling the case and coordinating with social services to ensure the victim’s safety.
The woman reported enduring mistreatment throughout the relationship. In recent days she restricted herself to a single room, using furniture to block entry, in an attempt to protect herself from escalating threats. While there had not been a physical assault in years, violence in the form of coercion, humiliation, and intimidation remained a constant source of fear for her, leading to a daily sense of danger.
Her children, informed by relatives and recognizing the long history of abuse, encouraged her to leave the home. She hesitated for many years, torn by concerns about how others would react and what their environment would say. The woman later told investigators that she felt unable to end the situation on her own, despite admitting that living like this was no longer sustainable.
With no economic independence and a long history of staying at home to manage household duties and raise children, she found it difficult to break free without support. Now the GAMA team is advocating for protective measures to safeguard her welfare and prevent further harm.
GAMA, which currently provides protection for more than 600 women in Valencia, runs gender violence awareness initiatives, including outreach at senior centers and educational talks. The program also collaborates with health centers where professionals can offer early warnings that trigger the identification and intervention process for victims of gender-based violence.
Aarón Cano, a member of the Citizens’ Protection Council, described the case as deeply painful and said it highlights the ongoing realities of abuse. He emphasized that public figures who deny the existence of gender violence should examine the evidence of lived experiences like this one and listen to those who suffer in silence after decades of mistreatment.