Protests come after revelations some males had jail sentences lowered as a result of a loophole in new sexual abuse legislation.
Hundreds of individuals took to the streets in Madrid and Barcelona in marches to mark the Worldwide Day for the Elimination of Violence in opposition to Girls.
Protesters, many sporting purple, marched down the Gran Through in Madrid’s metropolis centre on Friday night carrying banners and chanting “no isn’t any, anything is rape”, and “we ladies will not be items”. In Barcelona, individuals banged drums and lit flares.
Since 2003, when statistics started to rely fatalities, 1,171 girls have died because of gender violence in Spain, based on the ministry of equality. Up to now in 2022, 38 girls have died.
“I’ve come right here due to the issue of gender violence, due to all of the deaths which are occurring, the mistreatment of ladies…” mentioned trainer and Madrid resident Susana Rita, 42.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez requested males on Friday to step ahead to cease machismo.
“Male violence is a tragic actuality that shames us each day,” he mentioned at a Socialist Celebration occasion.
The protests come after it emerged that some males had their jail sentences lowered due to a loophole in a brand new legislation governing penalties for sexual abuse, which has induced fury and heated debate amongst politicians.
The legislation, often known as the “solely sure means sure” legislation, classifies any non-consensual intercourse as rape but additionally units lighter minimal sentences for sure sexual crimes.
At the least 11 convicted sexual abusers have had their jail phrases lowered and 5 males have been launched from jail, based on the Europa Press information company.
Chants of “solely sure means sure” rang via the crowds on Friday night.