Denouncing male violence: a right turned into a punishment

According to the Macro-survey on Violence against Women published by the Ministry of Equality in late 2025, almost 1 in 3 women in Spain (30.3%) over the age of 16 has suffered some type of violence (physical assault, sexual violence, economic restrictions or psychological attacks) by their current or former partners at some point in their life. Between January and December last year, the total number of crimes against sexual freedom reported  rose by 2.3% to 21,659, in other words 59 sexual assault reports per day (with and without penetration).

The media and political noise which surrounded Comprehensive Guarantee of Sexual Freedom Act 10/2022 (better known as the "Only Yes Is Yes Law") prevented a calm debate as to consent in sexual relations. The legislation, which eliminated the distinction between sexual abuse and assault, placed consent at the heart of sexual relations, indicating that this must be freely expressed and clear in its terms, allowing all people to reach secure decisions, free of pressure, as to their sexuality.

However, translating this principle into judicial practice and the reality of reported offences proves more complex: the devil is in the detail. One example would be the barriers faced when reporting an offence several years after the assault occurred. Factors concerning the victims themselves likewise play a role: a lack of understanding in family circles, the sensation of loneliness and guilt. All of which results in a telling figure: only 8% of women suffering sexual violence by a person other than their partner filed a complaint.