Around 50 people, including institutional representatives and citizens, held a minute of silence outside Tortosa City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. They gathered to condemn the femicide of a 60-year-old woman, which was confirmed on Tuesday. The woman died on 17 March.
Forensic reports linked her death to an assault she suffered from her 60-year-old partner, who has since been arrested and sent to provisional prison. Tortosa's mayor, Mar Lleixà, offered support to the victim's family and friends. She also noted that administrations, including the city council, have "all the mechanisms" to help women experiencing gender violence.
Condemnation and Support
Mayor Lleixà and the Secretary for Feminisms, Yolanda Ferrer, condemned the femicide of the woman, a resident of the Ebro capital. They reminded the public about the institutional mechanisms and instruments available to women suffering from gender violence. Lleixà expressed the city's condolences to the victim's family and acquaintances, stating this is the first femicide in Tortosa this year and the second in Catalonia.
Lleixà described gender violence as a "social scourge" and femicides as its "most extreme form". The mayor reaffirmed the council's commitment to continue working on projects against violence, such as 'Tortosa Free of Discrimination'. She stressed the importance of collective and institutional involvement because "there is still much work to do". "As we always say, not one less," she declared.
Collective Effort Against Violence
Secretary for Feminisms, Yolanda Ferrer, and the Director of Territorial Services, Mercè Guirao, also participated in the minute of silence in Tortosa. Ferrer joined the expressions of condolence for the victim's family. She emphasised that eradicating gender violence "is a country-wide challenge that requires the involvement of all society".
The Department of Equality and Feminisms reminded people of the resources available to victims. These include the 24-hour, free, and confidential telephone helpline 900 900 120, which offers guidance and support to victims and their close contacts.
