We have discussed, in previous posts, about gender- based violence and what are some of the ways in which it is manifested.

We also reviewed, briefly, the Ley Orgánica 1/2004, of 28th of December, on Comprehensive protection measures against gender- based violence (in force at the moment) and how, by applying it, the public authorities try tackling gender- based violence in many fields, for instance, in the educational environment, among many others.

Today, while searching on the internet, we have come across an interesting leaflet published on the Ministry for equality website, regarding «vicarious violence«.

First, we must highlight that gender- based violence and vicarious violence embody different principles, although the ultimate result is to hurt a spouse or person to whom you are linked (or have been linked) by an analogous relationshipof affection.

We must recall that gender- based violence is a manifestation of discrimination of men over women, exercised against women by those who are or have been their spouses or by those who are or have been linked to them by similar relationships of affection (even if they do not live together).

On the other hand, vicarious violence takes plece when a parent (either father or mother), uses their children to hurt the other one.

Vicarious violence often takes place during a divorce procedure.

The leaflet present on the Ministry for equality website emphasizes what are some of the signs of vicarious violence (obvioulsy there are many more):

• He uses your children to hurt you
• He threatens to take them away from you.
• He threatens to kill them, he tells you he will hit you where it hurts you the most.
• He interrupts your children’s medical treatments when they are with him.
• He uses the times of pick-up and return of visitation to insult, threaten or humiliate you.
• He speaks ill of you and your family in their presence.

A quick search on the internet will return many examples of «vicarious violence»: Here.

Attached you will find the leaflet.EN_Violenciavicaria8

Should you need more information regarding vicarious violence, or gender- based violence, do not hesitate to contact us.