Bill to strengthen protection for victims of sexual violence

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would amend Article 21.5 of the Criminal Code so that, in cases of gender violence and crimes against sexual freedom, reparation to the victim would not be limited to paying compensation, but would include all the items covered by the comprehensive laws. This implements measure 107 of the State Pact against Gender Violence.
2. It would give the Courts of Violence Against Women, and criminal courts and provincial court sections with gender violence powers, the specialization and authority to investigate and try sexual violence crimes.
3. It would strengthen the Public Prosecutor's Office: the Prosecutor Against Violence Against Women would also take part in crimes under Organic Law 10/2022 committed against the victims covered by that law.
4. It would recognize the right to free legal aid for victims of sexual violence, without needing to prove lack of resources, on equal terms with victims of gender violence, terrorism or trafficking.
5. The law would take effect the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado).

Who it affects

• Victims of sexual violence and gender violence: They would have an immediate right to free legal aid and broader reparation for harm.
• Courts of Violence Against Women and criminal courts: They would gain authority to investigate and try sexual violence crimes.
• Prosecutor's offices for violence against women: Their powers over sexual violence matters would be expanded.
• Lawyers and justice professionals: They would need to specialize in serving these victims.

Words worth knowing

Proposición de Ley Orgánica

A text by which a parliamentary group proposes a law affecting fundamental rights. It is not law until passed.

Atenuante de reparación del daño

A factor that reduces the sentence if the offender repairs or compensates the harm caused to the victim.

Leyes integrales

Comprehensive laws that gather all the rights, services and compensation owed to victims.

Asistencia jurídica gratuita

Free legal aid: the right to a lawyer and defense paid by the State when you cannot afford them.

Demarcación y planta judicial

Rules that decide how many courts exist and which matters each one handles.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries