The Canary Islands Institute for Equality (ICI) has reviewed its management during the legislative term, highlighting the creation of five 24-hour crisis centers for victims of sexual violence and assistance to 1,164 women, minors, and family members. The Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, and the new director of the ICI, Ana Padrón, outlined the action plans for the final year of the term.
Candelaria Delgado emphasized the establishment of the crisis centers throughout the Archipelago as the main milestone, offering specialized psychological, legal, and social support around the clock, without requiring a prior complaint. According to the minister, this positions Canary Islands at the forefront of the response to sexual violence.
The minister also highlighted improvements in managing funds from the State Pact Against Gender Violence by streamlining administrative procedures and strengthening control mechanisms. Funding for these policies was increased, exceeding 15 million euros from the Government of the Canary Islands, supplemented by funds from the 0.7% of personal income tax and the State Pact, in addition to reinforcing the Canary Islands Network for Assistance to Victims of Violence and preventive programs.
Ana Padrón, in her first official act after assuming directorship, explained that the final year will focus on consolidating existing resources, completing strategic projects, and developing new tools to enhance the protection of women and improve the effectiveness of public policies. The Institute's roadmap will be based on strengthening victim support, improving inter-administrative coordination, and modernizing intervention systems, while continuing to promote equality policies and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Among the planned actions, 8.2 million euros will be allocated in 2026 to the Canary Islands network of specialized services and centers. The 24-hour crisis center network will be reinforced, a new decree will be approved to facilitate financial aid for victims of sexual violence, and the specialized 112 service will be expanded with more personnel. Furthermore, tools will be developed to prevent vicarious violence and improve professional assistance.
Tindaya, a computer application designed to improve coordination and case follow-up among specialized resources, will be progressively implemented. In prevention, the ICI will launch new awareness campaigns, educational projects, and studies on emerging phenomena such as gender-based cyber violence and the impact of artificial intelligence, also supporting youth, women's associations, and universities.
