Professional Opinions on Violence Against Women and Femicide in Spain

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the opinions of professionals on the causes of femicide in Spain through a structured interview with open questions. The participants were 29 professionals from various agencies for women’s protection, police services and law courts (Tenerife, Canary Islands). Participants gave their views on four main topics: (a) opinions on intimate partner violence and femicide, (b) opinions on women who suffer violence, (c) opinions on offenders, and (d) opinions concerning the protection system. These professionals described a complex reality and pointed out several weaknesses in the system. Findings have implications for policies intended to combat gender-based violence.