Alicante to Establish Purple Points Against Sexual Assaults During Major Festivals

The Alicante City Council has reinforced its commitment to the installation of Purple Points over the coming years by pre-awarding the service, in the Contracting Committee, to the company Filias Innovación Social, S.L. for 67,705 euros and a period of two years, extendable with an additional two-year extension.

The Councilor for Social Welfare, Begoña León, explains that "this contract guarantees the provision of Purple Points service during the main festivals in Alicante for the coming years." León emphasizes that "for this government team, this service is fundamental within our commitment to preventing and combating any form of gender-based violence."

Purple Points are information, attention, and intervention units set up to address potential cases of sexual assaults in festive environments. They provide a safe space where individuals can report or seek help in cases of sexual assault or gender-based violence.

The installation of Purple Points aims to reduce social acceptance of sexual violence in physical environments and promote a rejection attitude towards different manifestations of sexual violence. The Purple Points tents will be installed at various locations in Alicante during the celebrations of Carnival, Santa Faz, Hogueras de San Juan, and New Year's Eve.

On Carnival Saturday (Sábado Ramblero), a Purple Point will be set up near Rambla de Méndez Núñez from 10 PM to 3 AM, staffed by three professionals.

For Santa Faz, a Purple Point is planned near the Santa Faz 0.0 festival at San Juan beach from 1 PM to 6 PM, attended by two professionals.

During Hogueras de San Juan, the service includes two fixed Purple Points at yet-to-be-determined locations with three professionals each and two mobile units with two professionals each. The service dates will be June 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 from 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM.

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, a Purple Point will be installed near the year-end celebration with three professionals from 7 PM on December 31 to 5 AM on January 1.

Additionally, for the Moros y Cristianos festivals in Villafranqueza, Rebolledo, San Blas, and Altozano as well as popular festivals in rural areas like Villafranqueza, La Cañada del Fenollar, El Verdegás, El Rebolledo, and Fontcalent, telephone assistance will be provided by one professional from 11 PM to 4 AM for any incidents. The contractor will distribute informational and awareness materials with the contact number.

Disseminating informational and awareness materials aimed at reducing social acceptance of violence against women in festive environments and promoting a rejection attitude so that festivals can be enjoyed with respect for all individuals.

Attending to situations of violence against women that may occur by welcoming victims of such violence and facilitating decision-making regarding what has happened and accompanying the victim without judgments or third-party interference.

Referring cases to appropriate services in coordination with State Security Forces and Corps and health services if necessary.

Informing about existing resources and services in Alicante for comprehensive care for victims of gender-based violence and facilitating contact with the Violence Unit of the Department of Equality's Public Rights Council if the victim wishes so.

Fixed Purple Points will be staffed by professionals adequately trained in matters of sexual assaults and gender-based violence.