What Options are Available for Victims of Abuse?

There are emergency options for victims of domestic abuse,

Here are some urgent and practical steps and resources you can consider:

1. Emergency Help & Protection

• Call 016  This is the national domestic abuse helpline in Spain. It’s free, confidential, and doesn’t appear on phone bills. They speak multiple languages and can guide you on next steps.
• In an emergency, call 112  If you’re in immediate danger, this is the emergency services number (police, ambulance, etc.).
• Police (Guardia Civil / Policía Nacional) – You can report abuse and request immediate protection. They can also help start procedures for a restraining order (orden de alejamiento).

2. Emergency Accommodation (Shelters)

• Every province has access to emergency shelters (centros de acogida) for victims of gender violence and their children.
• You do not need to have income to be accepted.
• Shelters are arranged through Social Services (Servicios Sociales) or via 016, and placement can be immediate in urgent situations.

3. Social Services – Free Local Help

• Visit or call your local Social Services (Servicios Sociales) office at your town hall (ayuntamiento). They can:
  • Get you and your kids into emergency housing
  • Provide food aid, clothing, and basic necessities
  • Help apply for IMV and other financial aid
  • Get a social worker to support you through the process

Ask for “asistencia por violencia de género” and say you have no income and minor children,  this is prioritised.

4. Legal & Psychological Help

• Free legal aid (justicia gratuita) is available for domestic abuse victims – you can get a lawyer without cost.
• You also have the right to psychological support, and this can be arranged through shelters or Social Services.

5. Benefits for Abuse Victims

• There are special financial payments for victims of gender violence (under Law 1/2004), even before IMV.
• These can include a one-time emergency payment (equivalent to 6 months of unemployment benefit or more).
• Ask Social Services or the lawyer via justicia gratuita to help apply for this.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.