it’s worth explaining that VioGén is far more than a police database. It is one of the world’s most comprehensive multi-agency risk assessment and victim protection systems, designed to ensure that victims do not “fall through the cracks” as they move through the criminal justice system. 

How VioGén Works

When an incident of gender-based violence is reported—whether by the victim, a family member, a witness, or through direct police intervention—the case is entered into the VioGén system almost immediately. Police officers gather information from multiple sources, including the victim’s statement, witness accounts, medical reports, previous police incidents and other relevant evidence. This information is used to complete an evidence-based Police Risk Assessment (VPR), which estimates the likelihood of further violence. 

The system classifies the case into a risk level, and that assessment determines the type and intensity of protection provided. As circumstances change, the case is reviewed through a Police Risk Evolution Assessment (VPER), allowing the level of protection to increase or decrease according to new information. Importantly, an officer can raise the risk level above the system’s recommendation if professional judgement indicates greater protection is needed. 

Who Uses VioGén?

Unlike many systems that are limited to the police, VioGén allows authorised professionals from several agencies to work together while sharing relevant information securely.

These include:

• National Police
• Guardia Civil
• Local Police forces
• Regional police forces
• Judges and courts
• Public prosecutors
• Prison authorities
• Social services
• Forensic professionals
• Justice administration staff 

How Lawyers Use the System

Private lawyers do not have direct access to VioGén.

However, lawyers representing victims work closely with information generated by the system because it influences many legal decisions. For example, they may:

• Refer to the police risk assessment when applying for protection orders.
• Use changes in risk level to support applications for additional protective measures.
• Present VioGén-related evidence in court when arguing that a victim remains at risk.
• Liaise with prosecutors and the court regarding ongoing safeguarding measures.

Judges and prosecutors, who are authorised users, can consider VioGén information alongside witness evidence, medical reports and other evidence when making decisions about bail, restraining orders, child protection and other protective measures. VioGén supports decision-making, but it does not replace judicial discretion. 

How the Police Use the System

For police officers, VioGén is a live operational tool rather than a simple record of previous incidents.

It helps officers to:

• Assess the likelihood of repeat violence.
• Identify escalating patterns of abuse.
• Monitor victims across Spain, even if they move to another region.
• Coordinate with other police forces and agencies.
• Trigger alerts when new incidents occur.
• Review protection plans regularly.
• Allocate appropriate police protection according to the assessed level of risk. 

Protection Doesn’t End After the Report

One of VioGén’s greatest strengths is that protection continues after the initial complaint.

As long as a case remains active, the system allows professionals to reassess risk whenever circumstances change. New incidents, breaches of restraining orders, changes in the perpetrator’s behaviour or other significant events can all lead to an immediate reassessment and enhanced protection if required. 

Why VioGén Is Internationally Recognised

Spain’s VioGén system is widely regarded as an international benchmark because it combines:

• Evidence-based risk assessment.
• Real-time information sharing.
• Multi-agency coordination.
• Dynamic reassessment of risk.
• Tailored victim protection.
• National coverage across Spain.

Rather than relying solely on a victim to repeatedly explain their circumstances, the system enables authorised professionals to work from a shared, continually updated picture of risk, helping to improve both safety and continuity of care. Recent updates in VioGén 2 have strengthened this further by improving data integration, refining risk assessment and enhancing coordination between police, courts, prisons and social services.