Catalonia adds staff to support gender violence victims
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
The Catalan Government increased staffing at its Comprehensive Forensic Assessment Units (UFVI) by 27 professionals to improve support for victims of gender-based violence.
These new team members will provide expert assistance to courts, tribunals, and prosecutors, particularly in cases involving violence against women and sexual assault. The government approved the expansion to strengthen victim care and protection, responding to a rise in reported cases.
Between 2023 and 2024, Catalan courts processed 50,439 domestic violence complaints, a 12.4% increase compared to 2021 and 2022. As of early 2026, 12,950 criminal cases were in progress, up from 11,770 the previous year. This increase in legal activity created a greater need for specialized forensic evaluations. The UFVI units conduct comprehensive assessments in cases of gender violence and other forms of violence against women, requiring coordinated work from professionals in multiple fields.
Forensic assessments performed by UFVI staff have risen dramatically, 621% in 2024 compared to 2023, and are projected to increase by 1,174.5% in 2026. The new staff will join the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Catalonia, enabling full deployment of the 13 planned territorial units across the region.
