Experts Call for Judicial Reform to Better Protect Minors from Gender-Based Violence
Experts at the "Daughters of Fear" conference at the University of La Laguna have called for urgent judicial reforms, specialized training, and increased institutional resources to better protect minors from gender-based and vicarious violence.
Protecting minors from gender-based violence requires a major overhaul of how our judicial and administrative systems respond. Following the recent "Daughters of Fear" (Hijas del Miedo) conference at the University of La Laguna, experts from both the legal and academic fields agree: institutions need more resources and better technical training to effectively tackle this crisis.
The event, which drew over 600 attendees, was held against the backdrop of a recent, tragic murder of a minor in Arona, Tenerife. Carina González, director of the University Institute for Women's Studies, noted that such forums are vital for connecting academic research with public policy, ensuring that knowledge leads to real-world awareness and change.
During the conference, Judge Isabel Aguilar highlighted the need for better training for legal professionals. She proposed introducing psychotechnical testing for those working on these cases to ensure their conduct never hinders a victim’s protection. Aguilar, who serves on the Ministry of Youth and Children’s Expert Commission, also shared that efforts are underway to improve the Organic Law on Children and Adolescents and to strengthen laws regarding vicarious violence. She stressed that family courts have a clear duty to address violence, no matter the type of case.
Judge Aguilar also warned that failing to implement precautionary measures in cases with a history of violence amounts to institutional violence. Echoing this, Judge Margarita Rodríguez cautioned against procedural habits that can re-traumatize victims, calling for a more respectful and dignified approach throughout the legal process.
Finally, Judge Cristina Meré and forensic psychologist Sonia Vaccaro emphasized the urgent need for early education programs to prevent gender-based violence. The conference, which also marked the launch of the book Daughters of Fear, concluded that ending this violence requires closer cooperation between universities and the courts, ensuring that the safety of the child always comes first.