Mallorca women’s centre handles 780 new violence cases

Mallorca’s women’s information centre has handled 780 new cases involving violence against women by September, from 847 enquiries received since January. On 23 September, the Council of Mallorca opened new premises on Carrer de Fluvià in Palma, Mallorca. The move is intended to give women more private and confidential conditions for advice and support.

The centre recorded 22 requests for information, 25 enquiries from professionals and 20 reopened cases alongside the violence-related cases. Half the women it assisted were aged 40 to 49. A further 20% were aged 30 to 39, while 15% were between 50 and 59.

Support beyond the first appointment

Staff can identify violence even when a woman initially comes in for another reason, the council said. The service can then arrange social, psychological or legal help, or refer women to specialist employment and health services.

This year it sent 247 women to the Psychological Care Service, known as SAP. Another 115 cases reached the centre through the 24-hour service. It also made 23 referrals to SOIB Dona, the women’s service of the Balearic employment office, and 33 to Mallorca’s service for victims of violence against women.

More space and a larger team

The Council of Mallorca bought the new building for more than €1 million. It has 540 square metres more space than the former centre, including two interview rooms, three offices and two meeting rooms.

Llorenç Galmés, president of the Council of Mallorca, said the old centre had not been in a condition to provide the quality of care women deserved. The women’s centre and the island directorate now share one site, while the new premises also improve access by public transport.

Since June 2023, the social-work team has doubled from three to six professionals. A psychologist has joined the centre for the first time, and the council has set up a reserve pool of social workers trained in violence against women to cover absences.

Topics: Social affairs · Jobs & labour · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com