The Cruelty of Male Violence and Its Impact on Children
The Save the Children organization has highlighted the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, stressing that it also seriously affects children. Since 2013, 60 children have lost their lives due to this atrocity, with ten of them being victims in Catalonia. The number of children killed in this context has continued to rise, with five cases registered in the first months of 2024 in Catalonia alone, thus equaling the total number of the last ten years.
The Role of Save the Children in Awareness and Child Protection
In the midst of this worrying scenario, Save the Children has urged attention to be paid to the protection of children, especially in situations of gender violence. Its representative in Catalonia, Ona Lorda, has expressed concern over the fact that children are often ignored in these contexts, despite being also direct victims. He has urged to guarantee their protection and put them at the center of policies to combat gender-based violence.
Orphanage and the need for governmental action
Save the Children has warned that 443 children have been orphaned due to gender violence throughout the State, with ten of these cases registered only in the first months of 2024. This figure highlights the urgency of effective government action to protect the rights and safety of affected minors.
Legislation and Protection Measures
In response to this alarming situation, Save the Children has recalled the existence of the Organic Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents against Violence, approved three years ago. This law recognizes children and adolescents as victims of gender-based violence and establishes various measures to guarantee their protection. It emphasizes the importance of the authorities applying these measures effectively, including the suspension of shared custody and visitation in cases where the child has been exposed to or has suffered gender-based violence, thus ensuring their safety and welfare
Comprehensive Approach and Future Actions
In addition to legal protection, Save the Children calls for a specific focus on children to be incorporated into public policies against gender-based violence. It is essential to ensure that decisions relating to the protection of children always prioritize their well-being and safety. The adoption of a decree law in 2021 in Catalonia that restricts the rights of parents with signs of male violence has been highlighted, thus strengthening the protection of child victims of this violence.
