Spain to grant work and residence permits to migrant women who are victims of sexual violence

The Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting for International Women's Day on March 8.

Equality Minister Ana Redondo announced after the meeting that they would submit a draft law to Parliament that would guarantee that migrant women who have been victims of sexual violence and are in Spain illegally will not be deported, will have their access to all types of aid facilitated, will be granted the right to use social housing, and will be issued temporary residence and work permits.

Stating that "this law will be very important for victimized women who live in fear and suffering, and who must always be protected and kept under supervision," Redondo said that women in the prostitution sector, in particular, would be able to benefit from all rights without the need to file a complaint, which would also serve as a guarantee of protection against mafia groups.

Redondo also noted that "just as with victims of gender-based violence, victims of sexual violence will be granted a 6-month unemployment benefit."

According to statistics, 1,245 women have lost their lives in Spain in the last 20 years due to violence.

The number of women who filed criminal complaints alleging they were victims of violence was reported as 182 thousand 78 in 2022 and 148 thousand 34 in 2023.

40 DEMONSTRATIONS ACROSS SPAIN

On the other hand, approximately 40 demonstrations were held across Spain for International Women's Day on March 8.

The largest of the demonstrations took place in the capital, Madrid. In the demonstration, where Israel's attacks on Gaza were also protested, messages of support were given to Palestinian women.

News Source: AA