🛡️ 1. Gather All Evidence
Before going to the Guardia Civil, collect every piece of evidence you have. This might include:
- Text messages, emails, voice notes
- Records of phone calls or voicemails
- Witness testimonies or statements from people who have seen the harassment
- A copy of the current restraining order or court order against the abuser
💡 Tip: Print out physical copies and/or bring a USB stick with digital files for the Guardia Civil to review. The clearer your case, the more they can help.
🚓 2. Visit the Nearest Guardia Civil Station
You can report the incident in person at the Guardia Civil post (puesto) closest to your home. In urgent cases, call 062(their 24-hour number).
When you arrive, say:
📣 “Quiero poner una denuncia por acoso y violación de orden de alejamiento por parte de un familiar del agresor.”
(“I want to file a complaint for harassment and violation of a restraining order by a relative of the abuser.”)
💬 If you’re not confident in Spanish, bring someone with you who can help translate — or ask for an officer who speaks English. Many posts, especially in areas with expats, will have someone who can help.
🧾 3. File a Formal Complaint (“Denuncia”)
You’ll need to give a detailed account of what has happened:
- When the harassment began
- How often it occurs
- What the person is doing (e.g., messaging you, turning up near your home, contacting your family, spreading lies, etc.)
- Why you believe it is connected to the original abuser (especially if you have proof or a pattern)
Be calm and clear, and let them know if the behavior is affecting your mental health — especially if you’re already suffering from PTSD or anxiety related to the original abuse.
📌 Make sure you get a copy of the denuncia and a case/reference number.
⚖️ 4. Request Extension of Your Protection Order
If the relative is acting on behalf of the person already under a restraining order, you can ask the Guardia Civil to extend or adjust the restraining order to include other individuals. This can often be done through:
- The Violence Against Women Court (Juzgado de Violencia sobre la Mujer)
- Your lawyer or through a victim support service
💡 If the harassment continues or escalates, report every incident. Each report strengthens your case and can lead to more serious legal consequences for the harasser.
💛 5. Access Victim Support Services
Spain has dedicated services to support you emotionally and legally:
- 016 — Free and confidential advice line for domestic violence survivors
- Servicio de Atención a las Víctimas de Delitos (SAVD) — Official victim assistance service
- Instituto de la Mujer or local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) women’s departments
Ask the Guardia Civil to refer you to these services when you file your complaint.
🔐 Key Legal Protections:
- Article 172 of the Spanish Penal Code covers threats and coercion.
- Article 173 addresses psychological violence and repeated acts of harassment.
- Harassment through third parties can be interpreted as a violation of a restraining order, especially if there is intent to intimidate or control.
💬 Example Statement You Can Use:
“Desde enero de 2025 tengo una orden de alejamiento contra mi ex pareja. Sin embargo, su familiar ha comenzado a acosarme en su nombre. Tengo pruebas de mensajes, correos electrónicos y testigos. Este comportamiento está afectando gravemente a mi salud mental, ya que estoy en tratamiento por TEPT.”
(“Since January 2025, I have a restraining order against my ex-partner. However, their relative has started to harass me on their behalf. I have evidence of messages, emails, and witnesses. This behavior is severely affecting my mental health, as I am in treatment for PTSD.”)
