Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of what is understood to be abuse and kinds of abuse in Spain. It also sets out to review the different official statistical sources to find data which help to quantify or measure, somehow or ever, the problem of abuse and its victims (adults over 18). In order to create this brief national cameo we have been assisted by the Elche Municipal Socio-economic Observatory (Spain).

Secondly, applying the narrative approach or method, three cases of victims of abuse are described. To compile the biographies, direct interviews were conducted with these people and the personnel (social workers, psychologists from the Woman’s and Family Council from the Elche Town Hall who attended them).

Finally, we referred to the Integral Service for Women’ (SAIM) from the Elche Town Council, to describe three good practices in the matter of the victims’ treatment, the organisation and function of the help and orientation service and lastly good examples and experiences with regard to the training of the advisors who treat people who suffer abuse.

99% of the cases of women who arrive to the SAIM, suffer from bad treatment. Of the total of cases of bad treatment received, 75% receive psychic and physical mistreatment. Only 25% are psychic and psychological.
The number of files opened year after year is increasing. For example, in 2008 202 files on women with mistreatment were opened. In 2009 there were 302; in 2010 383; in 2011, 364 were attended and in 2012 up until now 378 women have come to this service. Of the total number of files, approximately 15% are closes provisionally and have not reached a conclusion (that is, they have not been registered for therapy) because the victims have decided not to carry on with the help they receive. Nevertheless, the files are always left open in case they decide to return at any time.

The theoretical reflections and findings are from a research project funded by the European Union through the Leonardo da Vinci Programme named “HOPe. Giving hope to victims of abuse through vocational guidance and counselling”, promoted and coordinated by the University Miguel Hernández of Elche. The content of this paper does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the National Agency, nor does it involve any responsibility on their part. (Project references: 516610/LLp/2011/Es/LEONARDO.LMP)

Keywords:

Abuse, victims, guidance, counselling, Spain.