Alicante to Maintain Legal Advisory Service for Gender Violence Victims

The Department of Social Welfare will continue to provide legal advisory services to victims of gender violence despite the current contract ending on December 5th. Councillor Begoña León explained that although the new contract has not been issued, a 'Plan B' will be implemented to ensure "not a single day is left uncovered."

The councillor stated that while the contracting process continues, this service will be maintained. "We have more legal advisors because the Equality Department is part of Social Welfare, where we have many qualified personnel in this field," highlighted the councillor. León also mentioned that this service will be covered by civil servants until the new contract is finalized.

The Socialist municipal group has criticized the end of this contract. In fact, it has been one of the reasons why PSOE councillors in Alicante City Council refused to participate in the institutional event for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. "Barcala has inaugurated an anti-abortion office while failing to ensure the continuity of the legal advisory service for women victims of gender violence," highlighted Councillor Victoria Melgosa.

On another note, Begoña León explained that there is also an alternative underway to ensure that the Homeless Shelter and Integration Centre of Alicante (CAI) does not go without service during the five days between the end of the current contract and the start of the new one.

"For the peace of mind of all citizens and especially the users of the CAI, this service will not be compromised for even a single day," León explained. During these days, the councillor stated that the municipal shelter service will be provided by an entity accustomed to working with homeless people and some civil servants who "are already used to working with them."

The councillor insisted that an emergency contract will be made, and the service will be a mix between the entity and the civil servants.