Even after a divorce, survivors of abuse may require ongoing protection. Spanish law provides temporary legal tools to ensure safety, protect children, and prevent harassment.
1. Restraining Orders (Orden de Protección)
- Prohibits the abuser from contacting or approaching you.
- Can include restrictions on visiting your home, workplace, or children.
- Violations are criminal offenses and can lead to arrest.
2. Custody and Visitation Protections
- Courts prioritize children’s safety.
- Temporary or long-term custody can be awarded to the survivor.
- Abuser may have restricted, supervised, or no visitation.
3. Housing Protections
- Court can order the abuser to leave the shared home.
- Ensures the survivor and children can live safely.
- May include security measures at home if needed.
4. Financial Safeguards
- Restrict abuser’s access to joint accounts, property, or assets.
- Court may provide temporary financial support (pensión compensatoria / alimentos).
5. Communication and Harassment Restrictions
- Prohibits any form of harassment, threats, or unwanted communication.
- Covers phone calls, messages, emails, social media, and in-person contact.
6. Police or Court Monitoring
- In high-risk cases, abuser may be required to report regularly to police.
- Electronic monitoring or check-ins may be imposed.
7. How to Request and Maintain Measures
- File a petition at the Domestic Violence Court (Juzgado de Violencia sobre la Mujer).
- Provide evidence: messages, emails, threats, police reports, or witness statements.
- Lawyer assistance ensures measures are clear, enforceable, and updated as needed.
- Report breaches immediately to police and your lawyer.
8. Key Points for Survivors
- Protective measures are temporary but can be extended if risk continues.
- Keep all documentation and court orders secure.
- Safety planning and support networks remain crucial even after divorce.
- Survivors have the right to ongoing protection and the courts take violations seriously.
Bottom Line: Protective measures provide legal, financial, and personal safety, helping survivors rebuild life securely after divorce or in ongoing domestic violence cases.
