When the Court Order Ends, Protection Doesn’t: Understanding Ongoing Police Protection in Spain

For many survivors of domestic abuse, receiving a protection order is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of living safely again. In Spain, protection does not always stop when a restraining order is granted. In many cases, the Guardia Civil or National Police continue to provide ongoing protection through the VioGén (Sistema de Seguimiento Integral en los… Read More When the Court Order Ends, Protection Doesn’t: Understanding Ongoing Police Protection in Spain

August 1, 2026September 23, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Facts, Evidence and the Rule of Law

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that justice is not built on rumours, opinions or assumptions. It is built on evidence. Evidence that can be examined. Evidence that can be challenged. Evidence that can be tested in a court of law. In my case, there were two criminal convictions in the Criminal… Read More Facts, Evidence and the Rule of Law

July 30, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

International agreements.

In Spain, criminal records are protected by privacy laws. They are not publicly available, and they are not routinely shared with employers, neighbours, or members of the public. Information from the Central Criminal Records Register may be shared only where Spanish law permits. This can include: The individual concerned, who can request their own criminal record certificate. Spanish courts and… Read More International agreements.

July 7, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Domestic violence convictions in Spain

In Spain, if an appeal against a criminal conviction is refused, the consequences depend on which court heard the case and which level of appeal has been exhausted. Generally: The conviction remains in force. The person continues to have a criminal conviction unless it is overturned by a higher court. The sentence remains enforceable. If there is… Read More Domestic violence convictions in Spain

July 7, 2026September 23, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

The conviction remains valid.

When an appeal against a criminal conviction is dismissed, refused, or thrown out, it generally means the appellate court has decided that the conviction should stand. The exact legal effect depends on the country and the stage of the proceedings, but the following are common outcomes: The conviction remains valid. It continues to form part of the person’s criminal… Read More The conviction remains valid.

July 7, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Domestic Abuse Cases Are Built on Evidence, Not Assumptions

There is a common misconception that restraining orders, protective measures and criminal convictions are handed out without good reason. They are not. Police do not simply issue protective measures because someone asks for one. Courts do not convict people without considering the evidence presented before them. Every case is different, and the legal thresholds vary… Read More Domestic Abuse Cases Are Built on Evidence, Not Assumptions

July 4, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

A marriage certificate is not evidence of a healthy relationship

There have been many high-profile marriages where people later alleged or acknowledged that the relationship concealed something important. However, it is essential to distinguish between confirmed facts, the person’s own statements, and speculation or rumours. Marriages used to conceal sexual orientation Throughout history, particularly when homosexuality carried severe social or legal consequences, some people entered what are often… Read More A marriage certificate is not evidence of a healthy relationship

June 26, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Evidence remains.

What I learned very quickly was this: when a relationship becomes dangerous, evidence matters. When restraining orders are ignored, when boundaries are repeatedly crossed, and when family members close ranks, gang up on you, or attempt to intimidate and bully you into silence, your feelings and memories are important—but evidence is essential. The Guardia Civil… Read More Evidence remains.

June 24, 2026September 27, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Reward and Motivation Systems

From a psychology and neuroscience perspective, it’s important not to assume that everyone who lives from inherited wealth has the same motives or character. Some inherited wealth and continue working, contributing to society, volunteering, running businesses, or pursuing meaningful goals. However, when someone becomes excessively focused on inheritance, constantly discussing who will inherit, what assets are… Read More Reward and Motivation Systems

May 31, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Cross Over Cases

When a forensic investigation uncovers something unexpected that appears related to a different crime or different case, that’s often called “evidence of other offenses” or, informally, a spillover discovery (sometimes discussed under the legal idea of plain view in some jurisdictions). What usually happens: 1. The examiner documents it If, while lawfully searching for one thing, investigators find evidence of another possible… Read More Cross Over Cases

May 26, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment