August is typically a quiet month for courts, with exceptions in cases that touch on gender-based violence protection measures. This pattern was evident last Tuesday in the City of Justice of Zaragoza, during the hearing of a man accused of assaulting his former partner while she held their nine‑month‑old baby. On that same day in July 2023, the defendant reportedly attempted to seize the infant, but the child was eventually placed at the doorway of the home and remained there until dawn when authorities intervened. The civilian occupant was reluctant to leave the residence for nearly a day. The home is located in the Zaragoza area.
In response to these events, prosecutors requested a prison term: nine months for the initial injury charge and an additional nine months for ill treatment linked to gender-based violence and for disobeying authorities. The petition also sought protective measures, including a two‑year restraining order, prohibition against possession of weapons, and related penalties for the same period.
The incident unfolded from Ateca to the victim’s address after she informed authorities at around 12:30 p.m. on 9 July. The relationship had lasted eight years, with several people present at the scene, creating tension and commotion as the defendant moved in and out of the residence with the baby.
After a reprimand from the victim, an argument escalated, culminating in the accused allegedly shoving the former partner while she was holding the infant. The Civil Guard was informed in detail by the witness, who described the moment as a near fall down the stairs. To prevent harm, a third person reportedly assisted by holding the child.
Following the confrontation, authorities were asked to attend the scene. When the Civil Guards arrived, the door was not opened and there was no response at the doorbell. The accused agreed to place the baby with others, but the next morning he chose to leave the residence and surrendered to officers waiting at the doorway.
During the plenary session, the complainant confirmed her account to the Armed Institute agents, while the accused, represented by legal counsel, denied the allegations of physical harm. The Aragon Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences subsequently prepared a report noting injuries to the victim, including multiple concussions, superficial lesions on the wrist, bruising on the back of the legs, and facial edema. The case is being handled by the Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 1 in Calatayud (Spain) with proceedings under review by the related court authorities.
The defendant, Raúl SDL, has a prior criminal history that includes offenses such as driving violations and incidents related to injuries and other offenses.
The authority responsible for victim support emphasizes that help is available for all individuals affected by violence. A free, confidential helpline operates in multiple languages and does not affect billing. In addition to telephone assistance, information is available via email. Counseling and psychosocial services are also accessible through messaging channels. Minors in distress can reach out to a dedicated youth support line. All resources dedicated to combatting gender violence are publicly promoted by the national security institutions, including the National Police and Civil Guard, which maintain emergency contact numbers for immediate support.
Note: Various agencies and institutions remain engaged in addressing violence against women, providing resources and guidance for victims and their families.