“The aggressors feel unpunished, proof that misogyny should not be ignored”

The feminist and women’s associations of La Rioja have condemned the new attack on the same victim, the young woman who was raped on March 8. The associations Colectivo Luz Ultravioleta, Feministas de La Rioja, Kirk: Feministas en Acción, Siemprevivas and Feministas de Murillo de Río Leza issued a joint statement to condemn what happened. “We do not understand how it is possible that just over three months after events that we have already publicly denounced, the victim has been attacked again, requiring medical attention at the San Pedro Hospital,” state the Rioja feminist entities.

«These facts show that the aggressors feel unpunished, that they are not in the least affected by the condemnation expressed by the residents of Albelda, and by the feminist and neighborhood associations of our community. That they feel that they can continue to harass this woman is proof that misogyny is a problem that should not be ignored,” express these associations, which demand a thorough investigation and convey their support to the victim, her loved ones and those close to her.

But they go further and warn that “no one can continue hiding behind the problems of the neighborhood in which these attacks have taken place, attitudes like this only downplay a very serious demonstration that violence against women is very present in our day.” every day, regardless of the place in which it happens or the time of day in which it occurs. “We are not going to remain impassive in the face of such events,” announce the feminist associations.

On the other hand, the Progressive Rioja Women association has also expressed its “strongest rejection of the attacks suffered by the young resident of Albelda, a victim of sexist violence.” “These acts are unacceptable and we ask for justice for the victim and effective transversal measures to intensify the protection of the young woman in the face of these new events,” declares Izaskun Fernández, president of the Progressive Riojan Women association.

The Albelda de Iregua Women’s Association also wanted to join in condemning what happened. «This is very condemnable. I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone again. We just want peace and for justice to act,” said Soledad Carrillo, president of the Albelda Women’s Association.