New law promised on domestic violence

19 March 2004

MADRID – The new Socialist government promised Friday to fulfil its election pledge to bring in a law against domestic violence.

Carme Chacón, spokeswoman, of the ruling PSOE, said the outgoing government of Jose Maria Aznar had denied the country a law to stop violence against women.

Chacón also added that the government itself will also be made up of equal numbers of men and women.

Domestic violence has been an important political issue in Spain in recent years.

But despite changes to regulations making it easier for women to report attacks, the number of violent incidents rose by 30 percent last year.

Sixty-eight women were killed by their partners in 2003 – an increase from 52 the year before.

Women were not the only victims – 13 men died at the hands of their wives or partners in 2003.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news