Barcelona

The two anti-sexism stands set up during La Mercè and the one on the seafront consolidate their role providing information and responding to sexual harassment and aggression, having attended to 10,286 people. Women under the age of 25 are the main users of this municipal service, run by specialists in equality and social workers.

In an effort to provide information and raise awareness on sexist violence towards women and deal with any situation of aggression or harassment, anti-sexism stands were set up in the nightlife area on the seafront and the two other locations drawing the biggest crowds during the festivities. In all, the three stands were approached by 10,286 people, 71% of them women and 29% men. Most women approaching the stands were under the age of 25.

Most users approaching the stands did so to request information or explain a situation of sexist violence experienced in the past. In 21 cases, action was taken in relation to sexist violence during the festivities, such as people being cornered or subject to unwanted touching.

The two anti-sexism stands for La Mercè were also open for four days instead of three, with 2,000 more people approaching them than last year, some 6,700 users in all.

Team of professionals bolstered

The stands are staffed by specialists, such as equality professionals and social workers, able to handle situations of sexist aggression. This year’s team was increased by 60%, with a total of 26 people between the three stands, which carried out their work at fixed locations and on a roaming basis, moving around in the area near the stands.

Activity at the stands

Activity at the three stands was as follows:

• Front Marítim (Pg. Marítim with C/ Trelawny): Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, from 1 August to 24 September. From 1 to 3 August, the stand opened from 10 pm to 5 am; from 8 to 10 August, from 11 pm to 6 am, and as from 15 August, from midnight to 7 am.
• Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina (in front of Fira de Barcelona, between Av. Reina Maria Cristina and Av. Paral·lel): from Friday 20 to Monday 23 September, from 9 pm to 4 am.
• Platja del Bogatell (Pg. Marítim, 99): Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 September from 9 pm to 4 am.

Anti-sexism strategy

The municipal anti-sexism stands complement initiatives by associations and local residents, who organised themselves to put volunteers at 62 purple points in nightlife areas and neighbourhood festivals. The involvement of these collectives is a key factor in combatting sexist violence and forms part of the anti-sexism strategy, which also includes expanding the territory covered by stands, improving prevention and support and raising awareness among young people.

Support services

• Care, Recovery and Reception Service (SARA)
  Offers an ambulatory service specifically for victims of sexist violence and support for young children of any age.
• Care, Recovery and Reception Service for Young People (SARA Jove)
  Offers an ambulatory service specifically for young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who have suffered sexist violence.
• Municipal Gender Violence Emergency Shelter Centre (CMAU-VM)
  Emergency accommodation service for women suffering sexist violence and their children. Provides comprehensive support and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Barcelona Social Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (CUESB)
  Offers a permanent psycho-social support service, attending to any social emergency in the city, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Women’s Support and Information Points (PIAD)
  Local services with offices in each district offering information, support and advice on all subjects of interest to women, also offering access to different resources in the city.

See all services at: http://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/bcnantimasclista/ca/serveis-datencio.