Gender violence campaign boosts calls for help

CALLS to the 016 helpline for gender violence victims increased by 38.9 per cent in December following a government campaign aimed at young people.

The Hay Salida (there’s a way out) campaign was launched by the Spanish government and broadcast on television and radio stations, published in written press and included on signs at bus stops.

Aimed at young women from 13 upwards, the campaign included messages encouraging those who felt scared or controlled by their boyfriends to call the help-line.

The latest data from the Ministry of Public Health showed that whereas the line received 5,376 calls in November, in December a total of 7,466 were registered.

Most calls were from possible victims, yet some also came from friends and relatives seeking advice on how to help.