The presentation of the data was attended by Dr Josep Maria Campistol, director general of the Clínic; Dr M. Àngels Martínez, gynaecologist and chair of the Commission for Gender-Based Violence and Health; and Ester Valls, social work coordinator and also chair of the Commission. All three highlighted the importance of having a specialized, multidisciplinary service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure maximum physical, psychological and legal protection for victims. These data form part of the events for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which will be celebrated tomorrow.
The data presented show that 65% of the women treated had been raped (with vaginal, anal and/or oral penetration), a higher proportion than last year (57.6%). In the case of men, almost 70% suffered anal and/or oral penetration. The assaults continue to occur mainly in the home, especially when the perpetrator is someone known to the victim. Most victims arrive at the A&E Department within 24 hours, which allows the entire health and legal protocol to be activated with guarantees.
The Clínic has also highlighted the increase in referrals from other health services, which have risen from 25.8% to 34%, an indicator that shows that the city's health system recognizes and refers these cases to the reference centre for treatment. During the presentation, the growing link to follow-up programmes was also highlighted: 72% of women access the psychological sequelae recovery programme and 70% access the infectious diseases programme, figures that reaffirm the strength of the comprehensive model.
During the presentation, the situation of certain particularly vulnerable groups was highlighted, such as homeless people, who have a high prevalence of rape and group assaults and who often have greater difficulty accessing recovery programmes. Since the beginning of the year, 23 homeless people have been treated. Finally, the Clínic has reiterated its commitment to continue strengthening a model of excellence that prevents revictimization and ensures that any assault victim finds a safe, specialized and accessible space at the hospital.
According to Dr Josep Maria Campistol, director general of the Hospital Clínic Barcelona, “the data reinforce the fact that the Clínic is the place where victims find an
immediate, specialized and safe response. Our commitment is to ensure that no one is left alone after a sexual assault.”
Meanwhile, Dr M. Àngels Martínez, gynaecologist and chair of the Commission for Gender-Based Violence and Health, stressed that, “the Clínic's comprehensive model allows us to act from the very first minute and with the utmost diligence, ensuring health, emotional and legal care that focuses on the victim's health and dignity.” Ester Valls, social work coordinator and chair of the Commission for Gender-Based Violence and Health, emphasized that, "we accompany victims throughout the entire process, from their arrival at the A&E Department to their subsequent follow-up. This continuity is key to ensuring that recovery is real, complete and without revictimization."
Centre of reference for sexual violence
The Clínic is the centre of reference for the city of Barcelona and the Metropolitan Area in the care of recent sexual assaults on people over the age of 16. Its comprehensive model guarantees a medical, psychological and legal response from the outset, with multidisciplinary teams specifically trained to prevent revictimization and ensure respectful and safe care. The hospital has an emergency care protocol in place that includes diagnosis, sample collection, prophylaxis for infectious diseases, and immediate emotional support. It also offers specialized follow-up programmes that address the physical and psychological consequences over time, with a high level of commitment. This combination of emergency and ongoing care makes the Clínic a national benchmark and a place where victims know they will find protection, professionalism and a system designed to support them throughout the recovery process.
*See the report “Sexual violence treated in the A&E Department at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona. 1 January-31 October 2025”.
