Elda invites barracks and troupes to join the Red Violeta as safe points against sexist or sexual assaults

Elda City Council, through the departments of Equality and Festivities, has invited barracks and troupes to join the Red Violeta as safe points against sexist, homophobic, or sexual assaults during the Moros y Cristianos festival. This was announced on Wednesday by the Councillor for Equality, María Gisbert, and the Councillor for Festivities, David Guardiola, who reiterated the Council's commitment to achieving a safer city for everyone.

María Gisbert emphasized that "we seek the cooperation of these spaces, as they attract a large number of people and can become safe spaces to protect the victim in case of an assault. We encourage all barracks and troupes to participate and be active agents in the fight against sexual, gender, and LGBT-phobic violence."

Meanwhile, David Guardiola stated that "on the occasion of the Moros y Cristianos festival, we have prepared a campaign to prevent sexist assaults and sexual harassment in leisure spaces. This campaign includes, once again, the installation of a Red Violeta Point and a Rainbow Point in Sagasta Square and Castelar Square."

The Councillor for Festivities reiterated that "sexual violence is a form of gender violence, and as a public administration, we have the responsibility to collaborate to ensure safety." Therefore, he added, Red Violeta and Rainbow Points will be installed, aiming to "raise awareness and visibly reject violence against women, a structural problem and a violation of human rights, as well as the fight against LGBT-phobia, which requires strong public policies to curb violence, recognize victims' rights, and translate into resources."

This year, the hours of these points have been extended by seven and a half hours compared to last year, including attention and awareness on Sunday. They are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, May 29, from 19:00 to 00:30. Sagasta Square

• Friday, May 30, from 18:30 to 1:00. Sagasta Square

• Saturday, May 31, from 17:30 to 1:00. Sagasta Square and from 23:00 to 2:00. Castelar Square (Municipal Barrack)

• Sunday, June 1, from 17:30 to 00:00. Sagasta Square.

María Gisbert indicated that the experience in previous years has been very positive, with more than 2,000 people seeking information on how to act and where to go in case of an assault. All coordinated with the State Security Forces. At these points, awareness materials such as fans, bracelets, badges, and information will also be available.

Similarly, the Councillor for Equality announced that "today we begin the next phase of adhesion and implementation of the Red Violeta in Elda. The adhesions remain open for nightlife venues and shops in Elda." So far, 10 venues and 54 shops have joined, according to municipal sources.

On the City Council's website, the awareness materials, the map of venue and shop adhesions, and the document to join are available. It can be done throughout the year, and any interested establishment can join, the Council insists.

The information material on what to do in case of an assault will be available to all interested establishments at the Municipal Institute of Social Services. Any business manager can collect the material and sign the adhesion at the Severo Ochoa Social Centre from 9 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday (Equality Unit).