Analysing gender-based violence in Spain: fifteen years after the implementation of Law 1/2004

Abstract

This paper analyses the efforts to combat gender-based violence in Spain since the passing of Law 1/2004. This is the applicable legal framework in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Based on the official data on the complaints and on the victims of gender-based violence, an empirical analysis was carried out to assess whether the public policies implemented by the Spanish government in the fight against gender-based violence have been effective. The results indicate that, even though Spain is one of the most advanced countries in this area, 15 years after Law 1/2004 was passed, the legal actions contained in it are still insufficient for the eradication of gender-based and domestic violence. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations to broaden the debate on the fight against gender-based violence in Spain.