1. How the VioGén scoring system works in English

Spain’s official VioGén system — English explanation describes a police risk-assessment process, not a simple public checklist. VioGen +1 The process is broadly: Information is gathered: the police interview the victim and consider available evidence, previous incidents, witness accounts and relevant records. Risk factors are entered: the officer completes the relevant police risk-assessment questionnaire. The system calculates a proposed risk level: its statistical model assesses the combined information. The officer reviews the result: the responsible officer can raise the proposed level when circumstances warrant greater protection. Protection and monitoring are arranged: the risk level informs the response, and reassessment can take place as new information emerges. VioGén+1 2. What is the actual score? The system uses weighted risk indicators and a statistical model, but the official public information does not provide a complete, current scoring table showing every question, its numerical points and the cut-off scores for each risk category. I therefore cannot reliably give you an official points calculator or say, for example, that a certain number of points automatically means Alto or Extremo. VioGén Research on earlier versions of VioGén describes the underlying principle: risk indicators receive different weights, the model combines them, and thresholds map the resulting score to a risk level. Those historical details should not be assumed to be the exact scoring rules in the current VioGén 2 system. journals.copmadrid.org 3. The four current risk levels Spanish English What it means in general Bajo Low Lower assessed risk, but not zero risk Medio Medium Significant risk requiring appropriate protective measures Alto High Elevated risk requiring strengthened protection Extremo Extreme Highest standard VioGén risk category, requiring the strongest applicable protective response VioGén 2 introduced these four levels in the 2025 protocol, removing the previous No Apreciado category. Ministry of the Interior

“Just in Case” – Or Just Another Way to Gain Control?

Many abusive relationships begin with requests that sound caring or practical. “Give me your password… just in case.” “Let me have access to your bank account… just in case.” “I need your phone PIN… just in case.” “I should know everything… just in case.” At first, it can sound reasonable. You may even believe it… Read More “Just in Case” – Or Just Another Way to Gain Control?

“Double life” structures (compartmentalisation)

Professionals in policing, safeguarding, and forensic psychology look for patterns over time, not single events or impressions. They are essentially trying to separate image from behaviour. Here’s how they typically detect things like grooming patterns, coercive control, and “double life” structures: 1. Grooming patterns (behavioural sequencing) Grooming is not one action — it’s a process. Investigators look for repetition across… Read More “Double life” structures (compartmentalisation)

Structured risk assessment tools (VPR / VPER)

Here’s how police in Spain typically assess ongoing risk after long-term domestic violence or harassment cases(including cases that have been through restraining orders and may be in or out of VioGén monitoring). 🟡 1. Risk is not based on time — it’s based on behaviour patterns Police and risk assessors do not use a “time passed =… Read More Structured risk assessment tools (VPR / VPER)

Privacy and the law during forensic investigations

Privacy and the law during forensic investigations try to balance two competing things: public safety and individual rights. Key legal/privacy principles usually include: 1. Lawful authority (warrants / court orders) Police generally need legal authority to search devices like phones or computers: a search warrant a court order or, in some cases, consent The warrant should define: what can be… Read More Privacy and the law during forensic investigations

Forensic Investigations

When police seize hard drives, phones, and other digital devices in a criminal investigation, they typically follow a digital forensics process designed to preserve evidence and make it admissible in court. Typical steps include: 1. Seizure and chain of custody The first priority is preserving evidence: devices are bagged/labeled every person handling them is logged this “chain… Read More Forensic Investigations

Tampering with Evidence

What should be logged if it may relate to Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control, or potential interference with your safety, finances, or legal process. They may indicate: control, intimidation, sabotage, boundary violations, evidence tampering, financial abuse, digital abuse. Examples include: changed documents or wills locked phones/devices wiped computers deleted Cloud Backup or hard-drive backups changed alarm/security codes… Read More Tampering with Evidence

“Just in Case” – What Does It Really Mean?

Trust and privacy are fundamental in any relationship, especially when it comes to sensitive information like passwords for bank accounts. Demanding access to every password “just in case” can seem reasonable on the surface, particularly after many years together. However, such requests often mask deeper intentions that can jeopardize your financial security and personal privacy.… Read More “Just in Case” – What Does It Really Mean?

Why some cases are fast—and others take a long time

🚨 1. Urgency / immediate risk level (biggest factor) Fast cases happen when: A child is currently at risk There is active contact with a suspect Police believe harm may be ongoing 👉 These can move within hours to days Slower cases happen when: Risk is not immediate Evidence is historical (already happened) No identified victim at… Read More Why some cases are fast—and others take a long time