elpais.com
Spanish Judge Highlights Challenges and Evolutions in Domestic Violence Cases
Judge Cira García Domínguez of Getafe, Spain, discusses the emotional toll of hearing domestic violence cases for 13 years, highlighting the importance of empathy and safe spaces for victims, and the need for legal training with a gender perspective to combat revictimization, while also addressing the rise of vicarious and economic violence.
- How has the approach to domestic violence cases evolved within the Spanish judicial system over the past decade, and what further improvements are needed?
- Judge Domínguez highlights the need for gender perspective training for legal professionals to avoid revictimizing survivors. She notes that obstacles faced by victims stem not just from judicial procedures but also from the actions of legal operators. The case of Dani Alves' acquittal, while not yet final, is concerning for the message it sends to victims of sexual violence.
- What are the key challenges faced by judges specializing in domestic violence cases, and how do these challenges impact victim support and legal outcomes?
- Cira García Domínguez, a judge in Getafe, Spain, has spent 13 years hearing cases of domestic violence. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and creating a safe space for victims, stating that listening is a form of reparation. The emotional toll of the job is significant, requiring her to take breaks when needed.
- What are the long-term societal implications of the underreporting of certain forms of domestic violence, such as economic and digital abuse, and what measures can be taken to address this?
- The rising prevalence of vicarious and economic violence is noted, impacting women of all ages and socioeconomic statuses. Digital violence presents a unique challenge due to the complexity of investigation and the public nature of the abuse. Judge Domínguez stresses that a maltreating parent can never be a good parent, urging a shift in societal perception regarding child victims of domestic abuse.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on Judge Domínguez's personal experiences and perspectives, which provides a human element but might overshadow the systemic issues related to violence against women. The headline (if there was one) and introduction would significantly shape the reader's perception of the article's focus.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of Judge Cira García Domínguez and doesn't offer broader statistical data on violence against women in Spain or Getafe. While her perspective is valuable, the lack of broader context limits the reader's ability to understand the full scope of the problem and the effectiveness of judicial responses. The absence of data on case outcomes (conviction rates, sentencing trends) also restricts a complete assessment of the judicial system's performance.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on a female judge's experience, which is positive in terms of representation. However, there's a potential for bias in relying solely on one woman's perspective without exploring the experiences of male judges or other professionals involved in cases of violence against women. The article correctly highlights the revictimization of women, but additional perspectives might offer a more balanced view.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a judge's work in a Violence Against Women court. The judge's efforts to create a safe space for victims, ensure they feel heard, and advocate for their rights directly contribute to gender equality and the protection of women from violence. The discussion of vicarious violence, economic violence, and digital violence further emphasizes the multifaceted nature of violence against women and the need for comprehensive legal protection and societal change. The judge's commitment to understanding and addressing these complex issues demonstrates progress towards achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality).