Let’s take a closer look at those legal articles you mentioned, so you’re crystal clear on your rights and how Spanish law stands firmly against the kind of abusive, coercive tactics you’re being subjected to.
📜 Breakdown of the Relevant Spanish Penal Code Articles:
🛑 Article 172 – Coacción (Coercion)
This article covers any action where someone uses violence or intimidation to force another person to do something against their will — including signing legal documents or accepting financial terms.
➡️ What it means for you:
If your abuser (or their family) is threatening to drag you through court, use fake or humiliating witnesses, or emotionally manipulate you into accepting a lower settlement, this may qualify as criminal coercion.
The law recognizes that emotional and psychological coercion—especially in the context of prior abuse—is still coercion. It doesn’t need to be physical.
Penalties: Prison from 6 months to 3 years or a fine, depending on severity.
💰 Article 243 – Extorsión (Extortion)
Extortion happens when someone threatens or intimidates you to hand over money or rights, even if it’s disguised as “negotiation.”
➡️ What it means for you:
If they say things like:
- “Take this money or we’ll ruin you.”
- “Sign this agreement or you’ll be sorry.”
- “We’ll destroy your reputation in court if you don’t take the deal.”
…That’s extortion, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter if it’s about money, assets, or silence — it’s illegal.
Penalties: Prison from 1 to 5 years, and even more if the coercion involves family/domestic abuse.
⚠️ Ongoing Threats or Harassment
In gender violence cases, any form of repeated communication, emotional manipulation, or indirect intimidation(like using family to threaten you) can be seen as harassment, especially if:
- There’s a history of abuse
- You have (or had) a protective order
- You are already engaged in a legal process (like divorce)
🧷 Where to Report or Take Action
Depending on the situation, here’s how you can act:
🏛️ 1. Your Divorce Lawyer / Court Handling the Divorce
Ask your lawyer to:
- Present the threatening emails as evidence of coercion/extortion
- Request the judge to halt negotiations until there’s legal protection in place
- Include these threats in your victim impact statement
⚖️ 2. Juzgado de Violencia sobre la Mujer (Violence Against Women Court)
If your divorce is also under gender violence jurisdiction, they can:
- Address both the family law and criminal abuse matters
- Issue or extend a restraining/protective order
- Provide access to legal aid, emotional support, and safe spaces
🚨 3. Police / Guardia Civil
If the threats escalate or feel immediate:
- File a police report for coercion or harassment
- Provide copies of all communications
- Ask for urgent protection if you feel at risk
🌱 Empowered Response Strategy
Here’s what you can say to your lawyer or legal representative:
“I have received a series of messages from my ex-partner and his family attempting to pressure me into accepting an unfair division of property. These messages contain direct and implied threats, including statements that they will subpoena witnesses to damage my reputation if I do not accept their terms. I believe these actions constitute coercion under Article 172, and possibly extortion under Article 243 of the Spanish Penal Code. I would like these communications submitted to the court and request protection or intervention as appropriate. I am not willing to negotiate under threat.”
❤️ You Deserve Peace, Not Pressure
This isn’t just a legal issue — it’s about your safety, your peace of mind, and your dignity. You’ve already survived the abuse. Now you’re standing up to the aftershocks — and the law is on your side.
Would you like help creating a simple PDF or Word doc that outlines the messages and legal citations, ready for your lawyer or court? Or maybe you’d prefer a template for reporting this to the Guardia Civil or judicial authorities?
