Spain's First Bullying Victim Unit Set for Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is set to become the first town in Spain to establish a dedicated unit for victims of school bullying. This important step comes nearly a year after 12-year-old Lucía tragically took her own life in the town. Her loss deeply affected the community and has prompted the local council to act, aiming to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

This new 'Regional Unit for the Care of School Bullying Victims' will be a groundbreaking initiative, not just in the Canary Islands but across Spain. Its goal is to provide thorough, organized, and easy-to-access support for a type of violence that is increasingly worrying both the public and schools.

The unit is part of a joint proposal from the Portuense Citizen Assembly (ACP) and the Rompe el silencio Canarias Association. Both groups highlight that school bullying isn't just a one-off event. Instead, they see it as ongoing violence between peers, rooted in power imbalances, which leaves lasting emotional damage on those who experience it.

The proposal also points out that bullying goes beyond the classroom. It's made worse by social media and cyberbullying, meaning harassment can be a constant presence for young victims, who often suffer in silence.

The council's agreement acknowledges how complex bullying is. It's not just about physical attacks; it also involves psychological abuse, verbal insults, being left out, or spreading rumors. These actions, whether obvious or hidden, can severely impact a child's schoolwork, mental well-being, and emotional growth.

Laura Fernández, Lucía's mother and founder of the association, called the move 'a war won.' She sees it as a major encouragement for families who have long urged authorities to tackle school bullying more decisively. However, she stressed that this is just the start, as her ultimate goal is to see similar initiatives rolled out nationwide. To this end, Fernández plans to visit the Congress of Deputies this month to propose new laws aimed at strengthening the fight against bullying.

Fernández emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive law against school bullying and to address child and teenage suicide. 'We must be realistic. Cases are increasing daily, and it will only get worse. It's a very serious situation, and there's no law to protect us,' she stated. She also mentioned that, alongside her own public campaign, she is in touch with and supports other parents across Spain who are pushing for similar changes.

From her personal experience, Fernández believes her family's situation highlights the devastating impact of school bullying. 'This February 20th will mark one year since Lucía's suicide, and justice has still not been served,' she noted.

A key part of the proposal is its regional focus, which Fernández believes is crucial. While the initiative is groundbreaking for the Canary Islands and Spain, she acknowledged that Conil de la Frontera in Cádiz also has a pioneering anti-bullying committee. 'We are pioneers in Puerto de la Cruz for doing something like this,' she clarified, 'and Conil de la Frontera in Cádiz also has a bullying committee, and they were pioneers too.'

Fernández assured that the Rompe el silencio Canarias Association will continue to work closely and actively with the City Council. 'We won't let go,' she said. 'Nobody understands better than us what bullying is and how devastating its effects can be.'

David Hernández, the Councillor for Citizen Participation, stated that creating this unit addresses a 'devastating' reality. 'The statistics, showing both children who have died and those currently suffering, force us to act,' he explained. Hernández stressed that while families and teachers play vital roles, the problem cannot be effectively tackled without official support. 'Without political will and without financial and human resources from the authorities, this wouldn't be possible. If we don't act, if we ignore it, we become complicit,' he warned.

The councillor announced that various town hall departments would meet this month to plan the structure and operation of the upcoming care unit and a new family school, both directly managed by the City Council. He added, 'Other initiatives will require regional involvement, even from the Government of the Canary Islands, which we are urging to act with the approval of this motion.'

The planned Regional Unit will be a comprehensive resource, staffed by experts in psychology, social work, and law. It aims to support not only victims and their families but also those who commit bullying, using care models similar to those for other forms of violence.

Additionally, the agreement includes setting up a 'Municipal Multidisciplinary Intervention Unit,' involving departments like Education, Sports, Health, Social Services, and security forces. It also plans to launch a 'Municipal Family School' to help families tackle new educational challenges at home.