Guidance

Spain: information for victims of rape and sexual assault

Updated 27 October 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

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If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Rape and sexual assault is always wrong – no matter who commits it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help.

This information is provided to help British nationals overseas make informed decisions about whether and how to:

  • seek medical advice and attention

  • report to local police

  • engage with foreign legal authorities following a rape or other form of sexual assault overseas.

For information on support available in the UK, see rape and sexual assault: returning to the UK.

First steps

It is your choice about what you do next, but this information may help you in coming to a decision. The most important thing is to make sure that you are as safe as you can be.

You can:

  • contact the international emergency number on 112. There are English-speaking staff.

  • contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one

  • contact your nearest British Consulate in Spain on +34 917 146 300 or +44 20 7008 5000. We will be empathetic, and non-judgemental, and can provide information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell us will be treated in the strictest confidence. We can contact your family or friends for you if you wish.

If you want to report the incident to the police

Before reporting the incident

If you have a tour operator, they should be able to arrange for someone to support you. If you are in an area where there is a British embassy or consulate, they will try to send a consular officer to support you, where timing and location allow. You will always be able to speak to trained consular staff on the telephone 24/7.

You can approach the police directly either by the emergency telephone number 112, or in person at a police station. You can also ask the police to inform your nearest British Consulate in Spain (+34 917 146 300 or +44 20 7008 5000), and we can provide consular support.

If you choose to report the crime, try to do so as soon as possible, so forensic evidence can be retained. Washing yourself or your clothes may make it difficult for the police to obtain forensic evidence.

If you change your clothes, think about taking those you were wearing to the police. You may wish to preserve evidence by retaining items such as condoms, toothbrushes, or texts.

Types of police in Spain

In Spain there are two different law enforcement forces which work at a national level:

  • Spanish National Police (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía)

  • Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)

In addition, there are also regional police forces such as the Ertzainta in the Basque Country, the Policía Foral in Navarre and the Mossos d’Esquadra in Catalonia. Depending on where you are in Spain, you could be attended to by officers of anyone of these forces therefore in this information please take “police” to mean law enforcement officers or force in general unless otherwise stated.

There is also the Policía Local (local police) and the Policia Municipal (municipal police) but they are not able to take police reports or investigate crimes. If you try to report an incident with the Policía Local or Policía Municpal, you will be referred to the nearest Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil police station or to Mossos d’ Esquadra station if you are in Catalonia,

The Spanish National Police have 173 UFAM Centres (Unidades de la Familia y la Mujer) throughout Spain specialised in assisting rape and sexual assault victims. The Civil Guard also have specialised units called EMUME (Equipo Mujer-Menor) (PDF, 35KB) which provide assistance to female victims and minors.

Making a statement

It it your choice whether you report the incident. If you think you want to, then it is recommended to report the crime whilst in Spain to enable the Spanish police to act against the perpetrator.

If you do decide to report the incident, the police will interview you. You can request to speak to a female officer, if one is available. The police will find an interpreter for you if you do not speak Spanish - you may need to wait a while until one is available. The consulate does not offer interpreting or translation services but if a consular officer is available we may be able to accompany you to the police station and help you to understand what is going on and what to expect next.

Tell the police if you think you have been drugged

Insist you get a police report, and ask the interpreter to translate it for you verbally before you sign

Reporting the crime to the police doesn’t create any legal risks for you - extramarital sex, homosexuality or drinking alcohol are not considered criminal offences in Spain.

Some police stations may not have a quiet and/or private room. You may experience cultural and language differences when you report the incident. Spanish police officers will use technical language and it might seem that they lack empathy when taking your statement.

Initial questioning and investigations are carried out by the police but subsequent investigations are led by a judge at the local investigating court. Very few police officers speak English.

The types of questions that will be asked include:

  • the identity of the perpetrator

  • a description, where and when the incident happened

  • what happened and the circumstances surrounding the incident

  • if there were any witnesses

You will be asked to read your statement or the interpreter will read it to you to check the information is correct and then you will have to sign it.

Making a false statement is considered a criminal offence in Spain. If the police gather evidence to indicate that the allegations are false, the perpetrator can press counter charges against the victim claiming false accusations.

You will be given a copy of this police report (‘denuncia’ or ‘atestado’ in Spanish). Make sure you receive a copy.

Normally the report will be in Spanish. A copy of your statement will be sent immediately to the corresponding court on duty where a judge and prosecutor will examine the information you have provided.

You will also be provided with information on your rights as a victim of a violent and/or sexual crime (Victims of crime statute law 4/2015). This information and any forms should be available in English.

You do not have to surrender your passport whilst the investigation is carried out although you must keep your contact details up to date with the court so you can receive notifications.

You will not automatically be assigned a lawyer but you can appoint your own lawyer or apply for legal aid if you are eligible. See hiring a lawyer and legal aid in Spain for further details.

Reporting the crime in Spain: next steps

Evidence

Washing yourself or your clothes may make it difficult for the police to obtain forensic evidence.

The police will usually keep any clothes you were wearing and hand them to a forensic examiner to be used as evidence in court. You will not usually receive these back. They may also take you to the scene of the crime or where you think the perpetrator may be located. You may also be asked to agree to have a mouth swab taken at the time you make your statement.

If you have not already received medical assistance and forensic tests before making your police statement, the police will usually take you to a public hospital which has the facilities to support rape and sexual assault victims.

You’ll be given medical assistance and a specialist forensic doctor will carry out forensic tests for use as evidence in court. This may involve a long wait at the hospital, especially if it is out of hours.

The police in Spain will not normally inform UK police or ask UK police to undertake police checks on the victim.

The medical examination: what to expect

The sooner the examination takes place, the more chance of collecting any important evidence that may be required.

In most areas of Spain, there is a public hospital with special facilities for victims of rape and sexual assault. Depending on what you say or the nature of the injuries, the hospital may report the matter to the police to investigate, regardless of your wishes.

Depending on where you are in Spain some public and private hospitals will not provide medical attention if they become aware that you are a victim of rape or sexual assault and they may ask you to go to the designated public hospital in the area instead where forensic tests can be carried out and samples taken to be used as evidence in court.

In some areas of Spain the designated public hospital or private/public hospitals will not attend you without a police report.

The examination will be carried out by a forensic doctor accompanied by the necessary medical staff including a gynaecologist for females and a urologist for males. It may include swabs, blood and urine tests. We can ask for a female doctor if you prefer but cannot guarantee that you will be seen by one. A report will be made listing any injuries. The police take the results and samples taken at your examination at the hospital plus the clothes you were wearing to the scientific police laboratory for forensic examination including establishing the DNA of the perpetrator if possible.

We will accompany you to the hospital if possible, although the forensic doctor will decide if the consular officer is able to remain with you whilst the examination is taking place.

See list of designated hospitals in Spain for medical facilities in your area.

Treatment

Hospital/medical staff can provide a prescription for Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (in Spanish ‘la PEP: profilaxis postexposición’) which is a treatment that can prevent HIV infection.

HIV PEP medication needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective. The NHS may be able to commence or continue the 28-day treatment on return to the UK.

If you intend to stay a while in Spain, the hospital will usually test you for HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

The results can take a while to come through and if you are staying in Spain, the hospital will arrange the appropriate follow up tests and treatment. The results may be sent to an email address you provide, so please ensure you have shared your contact details before leaving the hospital. If you are travelling straight back to the UK, you need to contact your GP straight away on your return.

Emergency contraception or “the morning after pill” (in Spanish la píldora postcoital) may be prescribed to you by the hospital. It can also be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. In the latter case you will have to pay the full price for it.

Emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours of the incident for it to be effective.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics. If you are prescribed medication, you will not be able to collect this at the hospital as they do not have their own pharmacies. You will have to go to a pharmacy (“farmacia”) with your prescription (“receta”). There are 24-hour pharmacies in Spain and there should always be an emergency pharmacy open during the night and weekends on a rota system. You’ll find the address of the nearest emergency pharmacist displayed in the windows of all pharmacies.

It is not possible to buy painkillers in supermarkets in Spain. You have to buy them from a pharmacy.

Health cover in Spain

If you are a visitor to Spain, treatment in a state/public hospital will be covered by your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Contact the NHS Business Service Authority on +44 191 218 1999 if you don’t have your EHIC/GHIC card with you.

If you live in Spain, healthcare cover will be dependent on your social security cover (see healthcare in Spain for more information).

If you attend hospital accompanied by the police and undergo a forensic examination, you will not be charged for this, regardless of whether or not you have healthcare cover.

Medication

If you have had medication given to you overseas, you should keep the label or make a note of the name of the medication, so you can let your local health provider know when you return home.

Police investigations: what to expect

Once you have made a statement and undergone a medical examination, this information is sent by the police to the court on duty (Juzgado de Instrucción).

You will then be asked to go to the court to reconfirm your statement before a judge. If you are leaving Spain in the next few days, you may be asked to go to court immediately after making your report to the police. Whilst at court, you can ask whether it is possible to make a recording of your statement (prueba preconstituida), which may be used in future court hearings. If you intend to stay in Spain, you may be asked to ratify (reconfirm before a judge) your report at a later date. If you have appointed a lawyer, your lawyer can be present at this stage and can have access to the case notes.

You will be provided with an interpreter and given information on your rights according to the Victims of Crime Statute Law 4/2015.

You will not be expected to meet, coincide or speak to the perpetrator at the court or at the police station, however we cannot guarantee this will be possible as it depends on the structure of each court or police station. We can help to request a separate waiting area for you to try to ensure you don´t coincide with the perpetrator´s family or friends.

During the investigation, you could be asked by the court to return to Spain to attend an ID parade or provide a further statement.

If the police make an arrest, the perpetrator has to be taken before the court within 72 hours of being arrested. At this stage, the judge will decide what happens next. The perpetrator will be remanded to custody or released with or without conditions to attend further hearings.

You will normally be allowed to leave the country during the initial investigation stage although the judge will try to arrange for you to ratify your statement before you leave. You will normally be asked to return to Spain for the trial although you can also request to do this by videolink.

Court procedures: what to expect

The investigation stage is led by the investigating court (“Juzgado de Instrucción”). The police pass any information to the investigating court so all requests for updates have to be directed to the court.

If you wish a member of consular staff to accompany you to the court, we will do so although the judge would need to grant us permission to be present when you ratify your statement. A legal representative (private lawyer or legal aid lawyer) can accompany you throughout the case. Some local support organisations also provide legal representation, see support organisations in Spain for details.

If you decide to drop the charges, the prosecutor may decide to continue with the case if it is in the public interest to do so. For example, if the perpetrator is being prosecuted for a series of crimes against others, in addition to your case, it may be in the public interest for the person to be prosecuted.

Making a false statement is considered a criminal offence in Spain. If the police gather evidence to indicate that the allegations are false, the perpetrator can press counter charges against the victim claiming false accusations.

Trial

Once you have made the initial police report, the court will inform you of any next steps you have to take, such as ratifying your statement or giving evidence in a trial. You do not have to file any additional report with the court unless you want to.

The investigating judge will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to be taken to trial. If you have a lawyer, your lawyer can also help you prepare a private prosecution against the perpetrator if you are not happy with the court investigation.

The sooner you report the assault, the easier it is for the police to gather vital evidence such as forensic evidence and CCTV footage.

Under Spanish law, crimes can no longer be prosecuted after a certain period of time has passed. This varies from five to twenty years from the date of the offence, depending on its nature.

Trial procedures

Spanish judicial procedures can be lengthy especially if the perpetrator is not immediately identifiable and/or arrested soon after the assault. An investigating judge will investigate the assault and will decide if there is enough evidence for a case to come to trial. You will be notified by the Spanish authorities of the trial date and if you are in the UK, you may be notified via the UK authorities.

The trial will be conducted in Spanish and you will be provided with an interpreter when you are asked questions about your statement. If you have appointed a lawyer, they will accompany you. There is usually no simultaneous interpreting of the whole of the court proceedings.

Cases can take years to come to trial. If you haven’t heard anything from the court for some time, this does not necessarily mean that the case has been filed. The length of the trial itself can also vary depending on the complexity of the circumstances.

The trial is normally held in front of a group of judges who have access to all the information beforehand. This may mean that you are not questioned on every aspect of your statement. The length of the trial depends on the complexity of the case but can be as little as a day or a few hours.

You will only have to be present when you give evidence. If you request it beforehand, most courts will be able to provide a screen for the perpetrator to sit behind whilst you give your evidence. We can help you to make this request.

You will not receive notification of the verdict straight away; you will be notified in writing at a later date.

If convicted, the perpetrator has the right to appeal, which can take months to be resolved.

If you attend a trial in person, you can ask for the forms to apply for your travel costs to be reimbursed. Feedback indicates that it can take many months for payment to come through and that not all costs are covered as there is a cap on certain costs such as accommodation.

Hiring a lawyer

As a victim, you do not need a legal representative but if your case is shelved or no further action taken by the court, you may wish to appoint a lawyer to argue your case. This can be done from the UK but a UK lawyer would need to instruct a local Spanish lawyer to act.

A private lawyer will represent your interests before the court and is able to present a private prosecution in parallel to the state prosecution. They will have access to pre-trial information held by the court including the statements provided by the perpetrator. If you instruct an English-speaking private lawyer, you will be informed in English about the progress of the investigation and court proceedings.

For a list of private English-speaking lawyers, visit find a lawyer in Spain and search for lawyers specialising in criminal law.

Updates about your case

By law you are entitled to be kept informed by the court on the progress of your case. However, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain information and in practice you may not always receive regular news about the progress of your case.

Most courts have a victim support office. If you contact this office before you leave Spain, and dependant on the remit of the individual office, they may be able to obtain updates on your behalf. You can also authorise the British consulate to have access to information on your case so we can try to update you, although it can sometimes be very difficult to obtain information. If you apply for a legal aid lawyer or appoint a private lawyer, this person will be able to obtain updates for you and provide you with more detailed information about the case.

When you attend court to ratify your statement (reconfirm before a judge), you will be asked whether you want to provide contact details in the UK or Spain including an email address.

It is essential that you give the court your contact details, including your email, if you decide to leave Spain.

Access to legal aid is means-tested in Spain and depends on your income. The exception to this is minors (in Spain this is anyone under 18 years old) who are automatically entitled to legal aid. Legal aid lawyers are not obliged to speak the language of the person they are representing. You can find further information on how to access free legal assistance from the Ministry of Justice and Legal aid in Spain

Sentencing

Sex offences are generally punishable with a prison sentence and its duration will depend on the classification of the offence (sexual abuse, rape).

If the perpetrator is found not guilty, there will be no criminal responsibility. However, during the investigation phase of the proceedings, and if the perpetrator is not remanded to prison, certain provisional measures could be applied for such as a restraining order.

Compensation

The perpetrator may be ordered to pay you compensation once they have been convicted and the sentence is irrevocable i.e. with no right of appeal. The amount will be published in the sentence. Compensation or an award for damages ordered by the court is separate from your right to apply for state-funded financial aid to cover costs as mentioned above. However, state-funded financial aid and amounts awarded as compensation are offset between the Spanish authorities involved.

If you do not want to report the incident to the police

We will still be able to help you. This includes helping you to contact your insurance company, your family, making arrangements to travel back to the UK and/or providing you with information on local support in the UK.

You can find a list of:

If you are travelling with a tour operator, you can also report the incident to them [your representative] and ask them for assistance. If you wish, the tour operator may accompany you to the local hospital. Depending on location and timing, a member of consular staff may be able to accompany you if you wish.

It is your choice on whether to report the crime. However, if you don’t report it, your case may not be investigated.

If you do not report the assault, you can still get medical attention. However, hospitals have a legal obligation to report any suspected crime to the local authorities for investigation. Depending on what you say or the nature of the injuries, the hospital may report the matter to the police to investigate.

If you want to report the incident to the police in the UK

The support available to you, and your access to justice may vary according to where you report the crime. If you are staying in the country where the crime took place, you need to report the crime before you leave the country if you want it to be investigated and police to obtain important evidence.

If you do not report the crime in Spain and you return to the UK, you can still report the matter to your local UK police who should send the information you provide to the country where the crime happened and offer you access to victim support in the UK. The process can take a long time and it is for foreign police forces to decide whether to investigate a crime in their jurisdiction and they may not take action.

You can report the incident once you have returned to the UK however, it is recommended to report the crime whilst in Spain to enable the Spanish police to act against the perpetrator

UK police are less likely to have any forensic evidence or to be able to carry out a detailed investigation as evidence such as CCTV is normally only kept for a few weeks. If you file a report in the UK, by the time the report reaches Spain, the evidence may have been lost.

When you return home to the UK

If you believe you may be at risk of having contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should ask your local health provider to test you. You should do this even if you have been tested in the country that the assault took place in.

You may want to let your GP or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) know what has happened to you so that you can talk about the experience and seek further support and advice where you live:

England

NHS Choices, or search the internet for ‘NHS SARC’

Scotland

Archway Glasgow SARC

+44 (0)141 211 8175

Wales

New Pathways SARC

+44 (0)1685 379 310

Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Northern Ireland

Rowan SARC Northern Ireland

+44 (0)800 389 4424

Further sources of support in the UK

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Centre

Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre is a UK-wide support service for women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime.

Telephone helpline & free phone: +44(0)8088 00 00 14) 

Live Online Support gives British survivors of sexual violence access to UK-based support from anywhere in the world, on Skype, FaceTime, Instant Messenger and email.

The Survivors Trust

The Survivors Trust is a UK-wide national umbrella agency for 130 specialist organisations for support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse throughout the UK and Ireland.

Tel: +44(0)808 801 0818.

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid are available 24/7 on +44(0)808 2000 247.

Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. Their purpose is to provide specialist help to support people to cope and recover to the point where they fell they are back on track with their lives.

Tel: +44(0)808 168 911

Survivors UK

Survivors UK have a national web chat service for men and their families, partners and friends. They open seven days a week and can be accessed through their website.

Alternatively, you can contact them on:

WhatsApp: +44(0)74 91816064 Tel: +44(0)203 5983898 (Office)

Lifecentre

Lifecentre is a telephone counselling service for under-18s survivors of sexual abuse and those supporting survivors.

Tel: +44(0)1243 786349.

Mankind

Mankind provides one-to-one counselling, therapeutic groups and couple counselling to male victims of sexual assault (age 18+).

Tel: +44(0)1823 334244

Annex A: Designated public hospitals for victims of rape and sexual assault

Albacete

You can find a full list of hospitals in Albacete province on the ‘Castilla la Mancha’ regional government’s webpage.

Alicante

Hospital General de Elche

C/ Camino de la Almazara 11
03203 Elche
Tel: +34 966 61 69 00

Hospital Vinalopó “Doctor Mas Magro”

C/ Tonico Sansano Mora 14
03293 Elche
Tel: +34 966 67 98 00

Hospital General de Alicante

C/ Pintor Baeza 12
03010 Alicante
Tel: +34 965 93 30 00

Hospital Dénia

Partida Beniadlà s/n
03700 Dénia
Tel: +34 966 42 90 00

Hospital La Vila Joiosa “Marina Baixa”

Avda. Alcalde En Jaume Botella Mayor 7
03570 Villajoyosa (This is the closest hospital to Benidorm – 10 minute drive from Benidorm or two stops on the tram L1)
Tel: +34 966 90 72 00

Hospital San Juan de Alicante

Ctra. Alicante-Valencia, s/n
03550 Sant Joan d´Alacant
Tel: +34 965 16 94 00

Hospital Torrevieja

Ctra. CV-95 Torrevieja-Sam Miguel de Salinas
Partida Ceñuela
03186 Torrevieja
Tel: +34 965 72 13 13

Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela

Ctra. Orihuela-Almoradí s/n
03314 Orihuela
Tel: +34 966 74 90 00

You can find a full list of hospitals in Alicante province on the Valencian Government’s Health Department page (PDF, 21KB).

Almeria

Hospital Torrecárdenas - Almería

Torrecardenas s/n
Almería
Tel: +34 950 01 60 00

Aragon

Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet de Zaragoza

Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3
50009 Zaragoza
Tel. +34 976 76 55 00

Balearic Islands

Hospital Can Misses (Ibiza)

Carrer de la Corona
07800 Ibiza
Tel: 0034 971 397 000
English language interpreters are unavailable. Assistance available via patient services.

Hospital de Formentera (Formentera)

Calle Venda des Brolls
07860 Formentera
Tel: 0034 971 321 212
English language interpreters are unavailable.

Hospital Universitario Son Espases (Mallorca)

Carretera Valldemossa 79
07120 Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca
Tel: 0034 871 205 000
Ask for ‘interpreters’ for English speaking assistance.

Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer (Mallorca)

Carretera de Manacor
07198 Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca
Tel: 0034 871 202 000
Ask for ‘interpreters’ for English speaking assistance.

Hospital Comarcal de Inca (Mallorca)

Carretera Vieja de Llubi
07300 Inca
Mallorca
Tel: 0034 971 888 500

Hospital Comarcal de Manacor (Mallorca)

Carretera de Manacor
07500 Alcudia
Mallorca
Tel: 0034 971 847 000
Ask for ‘interpreters’ for English speaking assistance.

Hospital General Mateu Orfila (Menorca)

Rda. de Malbúger, 1
07703 Mahón
Menorca
Tel: +34 971 487 000

Barcelona

Hospital Clinic de Barcelona

C/ Villarroel, 170
08036 Barcelona
Tel. +34 932 27 54 00

Hospital Comarcal Sant Jaume de Calella

Carrer de Sant Jaume, 209-217
08370 Calella
Tel. +34 937 69 02 01

Canary Islands

Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Materno-Infantil (Gran Canaria)

Avenida Marítima del Sur, s/n
35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
Tel:+34 928 444 000

Hospital Dr Jose Molina Orosa (Lanzarote)

Crta. Arrecife-San Bartolomé, Km 1,3
35500 Lanzarote
Lanzarote
Tel:+34 928 59 50 00

Hospital General Virgen de la Peña (Fuerteventura)

Carretera del aeropuerto, Km 1
35600 Puerto del Rosario
Fuerteventura
Tel: +34 928 86 20 00

Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria (Tenerife)

Carretera General del Rosario, 145
38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tenerife
Tel: +34 922 60 20 00

Hospital Universitario de Canarias (Tenerife)

Carretera de Ofra, s/n
38320 San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife
Tel: +34 922 678 283

Hospital del Sur (El Mojón) (Tenerife)

Carretera de Arona (TF-28)
38650 Arona
Tenerife
Tel: +34 922 17 47 44 / 922 17 47 45

Hospiten Sur (Private) (Tenerife)

Calle Siete Islas, nº 8
38660 Playa de las Américas (Arona)
Tenerife
Tel: 00 34 922 750 022

Castellon

You can find a full list of hospitals in Castellon province on the Valencian Government’s Health Department page (PDF, 21KB).

Ceuta

Hospital Universitario de Ceuta

Colmenar s/n
51003 Ceuta
Tel: +34 856 90 70 00

Girona

Hospital Universitari (Dr.Josep Trueta)

Avinguda de França, s/n
17007 Girona
Tel: +34 972 94 02 00

Hospital Comarcal de Blanes

Accés de la Cala Sant Francesc, 5
17300 Blanes
Tel: +34 972 35 32 64

Lerida

Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova

Av. Alacalde Rovira Roure, 80
25198 Lerida
Tel: +34 973 24 81 00

Madrid

There are 25 designated Hospitals in Madrid that provide 24 hr medical assistance and forensic tests to be used as evidence in the case of rape or sexual assault victims. No police report is needed to obtain medical attention.

Hospital Universitario La Paz (Maternity Department)

Pº Castellana, 261
28046 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 727 70 00

Hospital 12 de Octubre (urgencias maternales)

Avda de Córdoba s/n
28041 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 390 80 00

Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla

Glorieta del Ejército, 1
Carabanchel
28047 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 422 20 00

Hospital Clínico San Carlos

C/ Profesor Martín Lagos, s/n
28040 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 330 30 00

Fundación Jiménez Díaz

Avda. Reyes Católicos, 2
Moncloa
28040 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 544 62 00

Hospital General Gregorio Marañón (urgencias maternidad)

C/ O´Donnell 48-50
28009 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 529 01 21

Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor

Avenida de la Gran Vía del Este, 80
Distrito Municipal de Villa de Vallecas
28031 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 191 80 00

Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal

Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal
Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo km. 9, 100
28034 Madrid
Tel: +34 91 336 80 00

Malaga

Hospital Clínico Universitario Malaga

Colonia de Santa Inés
Malaga
Tel: +34 951 03 20 00

Hospital Costa del Sol

Carretera de Cádiz, km 187
29600 Marbella
Tel: +34 951 97 66 69

Melilla

Hospital Comarcal de Melilla

Calle Remonta, 2
52005 Melilla
Tel: +34 952 67 00 00

Murcia

You can find a full list of hospitals in the Region of Murcia on the Murcia Governments webpage.

Seville

Hospital Virgen del Rocío

Avenida M. Suirot Sevilla
Tel: +34 955 01 20 00

Tarragona:

Hospital Universitari Juan XXIII

Carrer del Doctor Mallafré Guasch, 4
43005 Tarragona
Tel: +34 977 29 58 35 or +34 977 29 58 36

Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus

Avinguda del Doctor Josep Laporte, 2
43204 Reus
Tel: +34 977 31 03 00

Valencia

Hospital Universitario La Fe

Departamento de València-La Fe
Av. Campanar, 21
46009 Valencia
Tel: +34 961 24 40 00

You can find a full list of hospitals in Valencia province on the Valencian Government’s Health Department page (PDF, 21KB).

Annex B: local & regional support organisations in Spain

It is your choice to let people know. If you are ready to talk about it, these organisations may be able to help you.

English-speaking staff may not always be available.

Spain-wide sources of support:

112 national emergency number

112 is the nationwide free emergency telephone number in Spain for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire brigade. There are English-speaking staff.

016 helpline

Immediate 24-hour information, advice and assistance for victims of gender violence (English speakers ).

Tel: 016 / Text: 900 116 016
Email: 016-online@igualdad.gob.es

UFAM - Unidad de la Familia y la Mujer

This National Police Centre specialises in assisting female and male victims of rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence. UFAM Centres are located across Spain.

Tel: 091 or contact them via the national emergency 112 telephone number
Email: atencionfamiliaymujer@policia.es

Oficinas de Asistencia a las Víctimas

Crime Victims’ Support Offices are a free public service aid and assistance to victims of violent crimes and crimes against sexual freedom.

Offices are located in Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Islas Baleares, Murcia, Ceuta and Melilla. See office directory for further information.

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Centre (UK-based support abroad)

The Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre offer British survivors of sexual violence access to UK-based support from anywhere in the world via their Live Online Support service and helpline:

Tel: +44(0)8088 00 00 14

The Samaritans English language helpline in Spain

Samaritans in Spain operate a 24 hour, confidential telephone support line (“You talk, we listen”)

Tel: +34 900 525 100 (free-phone)
Email: pat@samaritansinspain.com

Local & regional sources of support:

Andalusia

SAVA - Servicio de Asistencia a la Victima de Andalucia

SAVA (PDF, 588kb) is a free of charge, public assistance service available to victims of crime in the Andalusia region. They are open weekends and public holidays and can provide external translators.

HELPLINE for women

An Andalusian government-run helpline for women, that offers a 24 hour public helpline service for victims of gender violence, or if you simply want your questions answered anonymously.

Tel: +34 900 200 999

You may have to wait a few minutes before you are connected to a Spanish-speaking operator. Let the operator know which language you speak.

Asociación AMUVI

AMUVI is a non-for-profit organisation that offers information on legal and psychological assistance available in Andalucía for victims of sexual violence and sexual assault.

Balearic Islands

Institut Balear de la Dona (IB DONA) (‘Woman’s Institute for the Balearics’)

Social workers, psychologists and lawyers offer 24/7 confidential support to women in different situations (e.g. victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse).

Helpline: +34 900 900 120 (open 24/7 365 days a year, English speaking operators are limited)
Tel: +34 971 178 989
Tel: +34 971 195 607

Foreign Victims of Crime Service Unit at National Police

In-person support (only) with local court procedures. English staff available Mon-Sat from 10am to 4pm

National Police Station in Ibiza Town (Comisaría de la Policía Nacional)
Av. De La Pau 4
Ibiza 07800

Victims of Crime Support Offices at Ibiza Courts

Calle Madrid 15
Ibiza 07800
Tel: +34 971 195 044
Tel: + 34 971 195 020
Email: victimas.ibiza@justicia.es

Institut Balear de la Dona (‘Woman’s Institute)

Social workers, psychologists and lawyers supporting women who have suffered sexual assault or domestic abuse by ensuring the survivor’s rights are respected and protocols are followed.

24-hour helpline open 365 days a year: (English speaking operators are limited)

Consell D’ Menorca
Carrer de Vassallo 33
Mahon 07703
Menorca
Tel: 112, 016 or +34 971 178 989 for 24/7 confidential support.

Victims of Crime Support Offices (Oficina Atencion a la Victima)

Offers a wide range of support services (e.g. emotional and psychological support) and advice on local procedures and general legal matters. Contact them from 09.00-14.00 on:

Tel: +34 971 368 501
Tel: + 34 971 484 483

Canary Islands

Servicio Insular de prevención y atención integral a mujeres y menores víctimas de violencia de género (Cruz Roja) (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

Appointment based service provided by the Red Cross for victims (female and minors) of domestic violence and sexual assaults.

C/ Lord Byron, 9
35005 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel:+34 928 29 00 00 (Extension 60505 & 60506)

Colectivo Gamá (LGTB) (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

This local association provides advice and support to both male and female victims.

C/ Paseo Tomás Morales, 8
35004 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: +34 928 433427

Servicio de prevención y atención integral a mujeres y menores víctimas de violencia de género (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria South)

Service provided by the Red Cross for victims (female and minors) of domestic violence and sexual assaults. Seasonal resource. Not open all year round. They operate an appointment based system.

Avda. de Gáldar Nº 10
Edf. Doramas
Bloque 9 1ºA
35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Playa del Inglés)
Tel:+34 928 77 86 46

Mararía (Lanzarote)

Mararía is a charity that provides confidential psychological and legal support to female survivors of domestic or sexual violence whom are resident on Lanzarote.

Calle Fajardo 24, 1ºB
35500 Arrecife
Lanzarote
Tel: +34 928804834

Oficina Insular de Atención a la Mujer (Fuerteventura)

This centre offering support to female survivors of domestic violence or sexual assaults generally operate on an appointment system. If you need immediate assistance or intend to travel back to the UK within days you should contact them via their support mechanism called DEMA by calling 112. This resource offers general advice on local procedures and a companion service.

C/ Doctor Fleming, Nº 1
Trasera del Edificio Universidad Popular
35600 Puerto del Rosario
Fuerteventura
Tel: +34 928 53 06 37 / 928 53 00 80 / 928 85 01 41
Fax: +34 928 53 07 08

Noah’s Ark (Tenerife)

Beverley Corbett is a trained counsellor at Noah’s Ark, a charity offering both telephone and in-person support.

Tel: +34 634 142 041

SHE (Tenerife)

SHE is local charity that supports female victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. 24/7 confidential support and translation services are available.

Contact: Roz Jeffery
Tel: +34 639 426 835
Tel: +34 690 964 145

CAVIS (Tenerife)

CAVIS is a centre specialised in supporting victims of sexual assault.

Tel: +34 670 011 244
Email: cavis@iass.es
Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm

SIAM (Service specialising in supporting women) (Tenerife)

Tel: +34 922 75 36 19
WhatsApp: +34 646 329 079
Email: siam.adeje@iass.es

See list of support organisations for the rest of the islands.

Castilla la Mancha

Freephone women’s helpline: +34 900 100 114

Instituto de la mujer (Women’s Institute) – Castilla la Mancha

Plaza de Zocodover, 7, 2ª planta
45071 Toledo
Tel: +34 925 28 60 10
Email: institutomujer@jccm.es

Search for more support organisations in your area

Catalonia

SIE- servicio de intervencion especializada

Network of support centres for female victims of sexual violence, rape or domestic abuse known as:

  • Servicio de Atención, Recuperación y Acogida (SARA) in Barcelona city
  • Servicio intervencio especitzada (SIE) in all other areas in Catalonia

Find your nearest centre.

Associació d’Assistència a Dones Agredides Sexualment (AADAS)

Association providing psychological, legal and practical support to female victims of sexual violence.

Tel: +34 93 4875760

Oficines de Atenció a las Victimas del Delicte

Network of support centres offering pyschological and emotional support to victims of crime including advice on local procedures and general legal matters. Assistance is primarily orientated towards residents.

Tel: +34 900 12 18 84 (opening hours: 08:00 to 22:00)
Email: victimabarcelona.dj@gencat.cat

SAI - Servicio Attencio Integral

Network of centres around Catalonia providing assistance to people who suffer discrimination including LGBTQ+ and women.

Observatori Contra L’Homofobia

Legal and psychological support available for victims of sexual violence within the LGBTQ+ community. Support available in English. Consular staff can assist with referral.

Support for LGBTQ+ community
Tel: +34 932 17 26 69
Email: coordinacio@och.cat

Madrid

Centro de crisis contra la violencia sexual Pilar Estébañez

This specialist centre offers female victims of sexual violence 24hr/365 day integral services by telephone and in person including:

  • immediate refuge and emergency assistance

  • legal, welfare and psychological support

  • intercultural mediation

  • accompanying victims to medical centres, police stations etc.

For security reasons the actual location is not disclosed.

Tel: + (34) 900 869 947
WhatsApp. + (34) 602 224 417
Email: centrodecrisis@fundacion-aspacia.org

CIMASCAM - Centro de Atención Integral a mujeres víctimas de agresiones sexuales de la Comunidad de Madrid

This centre offers free assistance, legal representation, psychological and welfare support to female victims resident in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. Police report not needed to access support services. Some legal and support services are also available to victims resident outside the region of Madrid.

Calle Pedro Muguruza 1,- 1ª Planta (First Floor)
28036 MADRID
Metro lines: 1, 9, 10
Metro stop: Plaza Castilla

Tel: + (34) 91 534 09 22
Fax: + (34) 91 535 35 97
Email: cimascam@madrid.org

Mon-Fri : 10:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sat: Telephone assistance 10:00-14:00 hrs (+34) 618251393

FAMUVI - Federación de Asociaciones de Asistencia a Víctimas de Violencia Sexual y de Genero

This NGO provides legal, welfare and psychological advice and support to female victims of rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence. There are additional FAUVI associations in Andalusia, Asturias, Cantabria, Catalunya, Madrid, Salamanca, Valencia.

Calle Ponzano, 7-4ª
28010 Madrid
Tel: + (34) 636 858 923
Email: info@stopviolenciasexual.org

Centro de Salud Sandoval | Comunidad de Madrid

This public health centre offers medical examinations to both female and male victims, including tests for sexually transmitted diseases No police report is needed.

Calle Sandoval, 7
28010 Madrid
Tel: + (34) 91 445 23 28 / 25 62

Mon-Fri 8.45am to midday
Metro line 4
Metro stop Bilbao or San Bernardo

No appointment needed

Centro de Salud Montesa | Comunidad de Madrid

This public health centre offers medical examinations including tests for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as an aids and STD prevention programme. No police report needed.

Calle Montesa, 22
Edificio A
28006 Madrid
Tel: + 34 91 309 08 64

Mon-Fri 8am to 9am (except public holidays)

No appointment needed

THEMIS

THEMIS is an association subsidized by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality which provides free legal advice for female victims of sexual assault. By appointment only.

Calle Doce de Octubre, número 19, Bajo A
28009 – Madrid
Metro line 9, Metro stop Ibiza
Metro line 6 and 9, Metro stop Sainz de Baranda
Tel: +(34) 91 409 41 84 Mon to Fri (except public holidays)
Email: info@mujeresjuristasthemis.org

The Samaritans

The Samaritans in Spain offer an English language help line between 10am and 10pm. Freephone from Spanish landlines and mobiles:

Tel: (+34) 900 52 51 00
Email: pat@samaritansinspain.com

Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Madrid

You can apply for a state-appointed lawyer (Asistencia Jurídica Gratuita) at the offices below. If you are not in Madrid, you can apply at your nearest provincial Law Society in Spain.

Madrid Law Society
Calle de Serrano, 9 - 11
28001 Madrid
Metro line 4, Metro stop Serrano
Metro line 2, Metro stop Retiro

Mon - Fri 8am to 3pm
Tel: +34 91 788 93 80

Madrid 24/365 Rape Crisis Centre

Crisis and Emergency Assistance centre funded by the Madrid Town Hall. The Rape Crisis Centre operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. English speakers available on:

Tel: (+34) 900 86 99 47

Asociación Clara Campoamor

Asociación Clara Campoamor is a non-profit making association that offers psychological and legal support to victims of gender violence.

Murcia

Recursos del Sector Mujer del Ayuntamiento de Murcia (Town hall support for women

Plaza Beato Andrés Hibernón, 6
30001 Murcia
Tel: +34. 968 35 86 00
Email: emavi@ayto-murcia.es

Valencia region

Samaritans in Spain

English language 24 hour help line in Spain
Tel: +34 900 525 100
Email: pat@samaritansinspain.com

Drop in centre open from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm:

Punta Marina Commercial Center
Punta Prima
Torrevieja
Costa Blanca 03185

CAVAS Comunidad Valenciana (Centro de Atención a la Víctima de Abusos Sexuales)

C/ Guillem de Castro, 100
46003 Valencia
Tel: +34 96 394 30 69
Email: info@cavascv.org

Centros de la Mujer 24h (support and advice centres for women)

24 hour telephone number: +34 900 580 888 as well as the following regional offices:

ALICANTE (24h)
C/ García Andreu, 12
03007 Alicante

CASTELLON (24h)
C/ Mayor, 2, 5º
12001 Castellón

VALENCIA (24 h)
C/ Guardia Civil, 21
46020 Valencia

DENIA (Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm)
C/ Plaza Archiduque Carlos, 3, Planta 1ª
03700 Denia

TORREVIEJA (Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm)
Av. de las Habaneras, 20
Torrevieja 03182

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the British Embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.

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