Between 2021 and 2024, the central government’s Ministry of Equality transferred Next Generation funds from the European Commission totaling 83 million euros (1,949,848 euros for the Balearic Islands) to all the autonomous communities. The purpose of this money was the creation of crisis centers for 24×7 care for women victims of sexual violence. Unlike other areas of the Balearic Islands such as Mallorca and Menorca, in the case of Ibiza, the Consell has rejected these funds and, instead, is working to develop with its own resources a center that responds to these needs.
The Consell de Ibiza told La Voz de Ibiza that the Next Generation funds were discarded for two reasons. Firstly, they demanded “complex requirements”, as they pointed out, mainly in relation to the processing times. But, in addition, “in the case of Ibiza, not having the option of direct purchase (given that the Balearic Housing Institute -IBAVI- or any other administration has suitable properties for the object we are looking for), it was unfeasible to use this processing route”. So, instead of using those Next Generation funds (which were for investment, but not for management), they opted to tender the entire service and space, as well as the management, with their own funds.
The crisis center, in process
This project is currently in process. Last November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Consell de Ibiza committed to implement, “the sooner the better”, a 24-hour crisis center to assist victims of sexual violence. The Consell de Ibiza has informed La Voz de Ibiza that the 2025 budget foresees for this center an item of 500,000 euros. It is a similar figure to the one contemplated in the Next Generation fund; although, the Consell points out, this fund was only for purchase or reform, not for management, which is what the insular institution adds in the bidding process. In any case, these 500,000 euros are only a preliminary figure: the economic reports that are part of the drafting of the tender are currently being prepared.
Increase in the number of cases handled
Although there are no details as to when this center might open, cases of sexual aggression are being attended to through the Women’s Office. In the program of attention and treatment for women victims of gender violence, of the 497 women attended, 293 have been treated for physical and psychological abuse; 130 for psychological abuse; 54 for physical and psychological and sexual abuse; 7 for physical, psychological, sexual and vicarious abuse; one for psychological and vicarious abuse; and 12 for other issues. At the end of last year, the Councilor for Social Welfare and Equality, Carolina Escandell, stressed that the cases of sexual violence with respect to 2023 “continue to increase but, compared to previous years, it is not such a high increase”. In any case, she said: “It is a matter of great concern to us, and we must stress the message to these women that they are not alone and that they must denounce their aggressors”. For her part, the coordinator of the Women’s Office, Tonyi Ferrer, explained that the number of cases in 2024 has increased due to the fact that there are many more women who approach the Women’s Office seeking advice for conflictive separations or divorces , which could end in a situation of violence, or for situations of violence that are just beginning, “which shows that there are women who want to end this situation as soon as possible”.
Crisis centers in Mallorca and Menorca
In recent weeks crisis centers for sexual violence have opened in both Mallorca and Menorca. The most recent one has been the Centre Veronique, in Menorca, named after a young woman murdered in 1987. 400,000 euros from the Next Generation program were used to equip and refurbish this office. On the other hand, at the beginning of last month, Mallorca inaugurated the Libertas Center, a complex that offers psychological, legal and social attention, both in person and by telephone, to women from 16 years of age who have suffered crimes of a sexual nature. Next Generation funds have been used for the acquisition of the building through Ib-Dona, an agency under the Balearic Government.
