Redaccion
El Cabildo de Lanzarote continues to advance in the protection, care, and recovery of women victims of gender-based violence and their minor children, in Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Through constant and cross-cutting work, the island institution has strengthened its network of public resources and collaboration with specialized entities to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to one of the most urgent social realities.
The President of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, emphasizes that the fight against gender-based violence is a political and moral priority, stating, "We are talking about the lives and dignity of women and their children. The Cabildo will not spare efforts or resources to ensure a quick, professional, and humane response. This fight requires institutional unity, technical commitment, and a clear message to society: we do not tolerate gender-based violence in any form."
Among the main actions implemented during this mandate, the consolidation of the Insular Women’s Care Service (SIAM) stands out, a multidisciplinary team that provides psychological, social, and legal assistance to women who have suffered gender-based violence.
The service has recently been reinforced with the addition of a new psychologist and the implementation of a group care program, promoting spaces of safety, mutual support, and emotional reconstruction.
The Minister of Social Welfare and Inclusion, Marci Acuña, highlights the comprehensive response offered by the island system, stating that the Cabildo’s work "is not limited to critical moments of care. We want to accompany each woman in her process of empowerment and recovery, with short, medium, and long-term resources. We want them to know that they are not alone, that they have the right to a life free of violence, and that there is a public system that is on their side, with committed professionals and strategic alliances that make a comprehensive approach possible."
Network of Resources and Partnerships
In the emergency field, the Cabildo maintains active and reinforced essential resources such as DEMA (Emergency Device for Assaulted Women), operational 24 hours through 112, providing immediate assistance in situations of gender-based violence; the Immediate Reception Center (CAI), where a safe shelter is guaranteed for women and children at risk when their physical or psychological integrity is threatened; the Shelter House, a residential resource for recovery and autonomy processes, especially in cases requiring a longer stay; and the Intervention in Crisis Center of the Government of the Canary Islands, specialized in urgent care for victims of sexual assaults, offering psychological and legal support and guidance from the outset.
Similarly, the Cabildo de Lanzarote also strengthens its network through partnerships with local administrations and social entities with experience in assisting women in situations of particular vulnerability. Among them, Médicos del Mundo, which works with women in contexts of prostitution or sexual exploitation; the Mararía Association, which manages various protected accommodation and support resources; and + Family, through the agreement signed with the City Council of Arrecife, for direct assistance to women victims of gender-based violence in the capital.
These collaborations are key to ensuring a coordinated and effective response throughout the island territory.
The Ministry of Social Welfare and Inclusion also emphasizes the importance of prevention and awareness as essential tools to eradicate this form of structural violence.
The Cabildo’s commitment translates not only into direct assistance but also into training actions, awareness campaigns, and public policies with a gender perspective.
"We will continue to work with determination to consolidate a strong and empathetic island network that puts women and their children at the center. Our responsibility as an institution is not to fail them," concludes Marci Acuña.
