Legally reviewed on 11 October 2026
By Javier Sanz, lawyer, ICALI 8620
Gender-based violence does not have one simple cause. It develops through an interaction of social inequality, beliefs about control and entitlement, individual behaviour and circumstances that may increase risk. Understanding those factors can help with prevention, but it must never shift responsibility away from the person who chooses to use violence.
In Spain, the legal term violencia de género has a narrower meaning than the expression sometimes has in international English. Organic Law 1/2004 applies to violence by a man against a woman who is or has been his spouse or intimate partner, even where they have not lived together. Other abuse may be criminal and serious while falling within a different legal category.
Gender inequality and beliefs about control
Spanish law recognises gender-based violence as an expression of discrimination, inequality and men’s power over women. Social norms that present jealousy, possession or control as proof of love can normalise harmful behaviour. They can also make it harder for a victim to identify escalating abuse or to ask for help.
Control may concern clothing, friendships, work, money, movement, healthcare or digital activity. It may be enforced through humiliation, threats, isolation or surveillance rather than physical force. A pattern of coercive behaviour can be highly damaging even when individual incidents appear minor in isolation.
Learned behaviour is a risk factor, not an excuse
Exposure to violence in childhood or in a previous relationship can influence how a person understands conflict and intimacy. It does not make future violence inevitable. Many people who experience or witness abuse never use violence themselves.
For the same reason, a difficult childhood, stress or poor emotional regulation cannot excuse criminal conduct. Prevention requires accountability, early intervention and education about respectful relationships, consent and non-violent conflict management.
Financial control can make it difficult for a victim to leave or seek advice. It may involve preventing paid work, taking earnings, withholding access to accounts, creating debt or demanding explanations for every purchase. Immigration concerns, disability, language barriers, rural isolation or lack of a support network can increase vulnerability.
These circumstances do not cause the abusive person to act. They can, however, give that person more opportunities for control and reduce the victim’s practical options. Legal, social and specialist services may be able to help with safety, accommodation, financial support and interpretation.
Alcohol, drugs and mental health: common misunderstandings
Alcohol or drug use may increase the severity or immediacy of risk in some situations, but intoxication is not the root cause of gender-based violence and does not remove responsibility. Many people consume alcohol without becoming violent, while abuse can continue when the person is sober.
Mental ill health should not be used as a general explanation either. Most people with mental-health conditions are not violent. Where a condition is relevant to an individual case, it must be assessed by qualified professionals rather than assumed from behaviour or used to stigmatise a diagnosis.
Separation can be a period of increased risk
When a controlling partner feels that control is being lost, threats, stalking, repeated contact or violence may escalate. A person planning to leave should not be told simply to confront the partner. A safety plan should reflect the actual circumstances, including children, pets, documents, medication, transport and safe communications.
If there is immediate danger in Spain, call 112. The official 016 service provides information and immediate psychosocial support by telephone, WhatsApp on 600 000 016, email at 016-online@igualdad.gob.es and online chat. The service explains how traces of calls may appear on a particular device, so users should check digital safety where necessary.
Warning signs that should not be minimised
- Threats to harm the victim, children, relatives, pets or the person making the threat.
- Monitoring a phone, accounts, location or communications without consent.
- Repeated humiliation, intimidation or isolation from friends and family.
- Sexual pressure or any sexual act without freely given consent.
- Control of money, work, documents, healthcare or freedom of movement.
- Stalking, unwanted visits or persistent contact after separation.
No checklist predicts violence with certainty. A single serious incident can justify seeking help, and a person does not need to wait for physical injury. Our guides to the cycle of abuse and common myths about gender-based violence offer further context. Legal options are explained on our gender-based violence practice page.
Confidential legal guidance
If you need to understand protection measures, reporting or an ongoing case, contact Javier Sanz for advice based on your circumstances. In an emergency, contact 112 first.
Official sources
- Organic Law 1/2004 on gender-based violence (BOE)
- Official 016 information and support service
- Law 4/2015, Statute of the Victim of Crime (BOE)
This article provides general information and cannot assess risk or replace legal advice on an individual situation.