Riesgo Alto and Riesgo Extremo — are official Spanish police risk classifications used in cases of violencia de género(gender‑based or domestic violence). These levels determine the amount of protection and intervention given by the Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional, and Unidad de Violencia de Género.
Below is a detailed explanation in plain language so you understand exactly what it means and what precautions are usually put in place.
🇪🇸 What “Riesgo Alto” (High Risk) Means
This level is assigned when the police assess that:
- The aggressor has the capacity and likelihood to attack again.
- There is recent escalation of violence.
- There are clear indicators of danger (threats, stalking, obsession, psychological control, historical violence).
- The victim’s situation is unstable or vulnerable.
What measures are usually activated:
- Increased patrols near your home.
- More frequent check-ins from Guardia Civil or Policía Nacional.
- Rapid-response protocols if you call 112 or 016.
- Priority processing for restraining orders or extensions.
- Guidance for moving to a safer location if needed.
- Alerting local units to keep eyes on the aggressor’s movements.
- Sometimes they inspect your home security (locks, cameras, entry points).
🔴 What “Riesgo Extremo” (Extreme Risk) Means
This is the highest alert category, reserved for situations where:
- There is a real, imminent, and severe threat to your life.
- Recent behaviours show the aggressor may attack with little or no warning.
- There have been death threats, severe coercion, or weapon access.
- There is extreme obsession, repeated breaches of restraining orders, or escalating behaviour.
Protection measures often activated at this level:
These are the strongest protections Spain offers:
- Maximum police surveillance, sometimes constant.
- Frequent or continuous patrol presence in your area.
- Immediate police intervention for any sign of contact or threat.
- GPS monitoring of the aggressor (if ordered by the judge).
- Direct emergency contact with an officer or a special unit.
- High priority at the courthouse for urgent restraining orders or tighter conditions.
- Assistance with relocation to a protected address, if needed.
- Coordination between Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional, and municipal social services.
🛡️ What You Should Do When Classified as High or Extreme Risk
Even with police protection, the protocol expects you to follow specific personal safety measures:
✔️ 1. Keep Your Phone On You at All Times
- Fully charged
- Emergency numbers pre-programmed: 112, 062 (Guardia Civil), 091 (Policía)
- If you have a tele-assistance device from VioGén, carry it always.
✔️ 2. Do Not Have Any Direct Contact with the Aggressor
- No messages
- No “closure conversations”
- Do not respond even if provoked
Any contact may increase danger and weaken your protection.
✔️ 3. Vary Your Routines
- Change walking routes
- Avoid predictable schedules
- Don’t announce your location on social media
✔️ 4. Strengthen Your Home Security
- Check locks
- Avoid opening the door to unknown people
- Keep curtains closed at night
- Ask neighbours you trust to alert you if they see anything suspicious
✔️ 5. Travel With Awareness
- Park in well‑lit places
- If you feel followed, drive straight to a police station, not home
- Ask police if they can escort you at vulnerable times
✔️ 6. Stay Connected With Safe People
Tell a few trusted friends where you are and check in with them at agreed times.
✔️ 7. Continue Communicating With Your Assigned Officers
If your risk level is High or Extreme, you normally have:
- A designated contact officer
- A VioGén case worker
- Someone who updates you when risk assessments change
Never hesitate — if something feels wrong, call them immediately.
❤️ And Most Importantly
Being placed in Riesgo Alto or Riesgo Extremo does not mean you are weak.
It means the system has taken your experience seriously and is actively protecting you.
You are doing everything right by asking these questions and staying aware.
