The 14 bar associations of Catalonia have rejected the attempt by the Department of Justice of the Generalitat to «promote a plan to centralize cases of domestic violence in specialized courts for violence against women», the Vido courts.
In a statement on Thursday, they warn that this would leave «a dozen Catalan cities — from the Barcelona and Tarragona areas — unable to handle cases of gender violence».
Specifically, they claim that courts in cities such as Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Martorell, Mollet del Vallès, Rubí, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Vilafranca del Penedès (Barcelona) or Valls (Tarragona) «would stop handling these cases», which would be centralized in the courts of Barcelona, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Granollers, Terrassa, Vilanova y la Geltrú, Tarragona or El Vendrell.
The president of the Catalan Bar Council, Marta Martínez, believes that it would be «a step backwards that can have serious consequences for the victims and their families» because it distances justice from the citizens, she has warned.
Martínez reminds that these women «often find themselves in a situation of extreme vulnerability» and adds that something as basic as the guarantee of the right to defense can be put at risk by hindering access to justice and exacerbating judicial backlog.
On Wednesday, the Generalitat reported that it is studying «possibilities for specialization» of the Vido courts, based on a technical study by the Institut Metròpoli presented on Wednesday, during an event attended by the Minister of Justice, Gemma Ubasart.
The centralization of domestic violence cases in specialized courts has sparked controversy among Catalan bar associations. The proposal to concentrate these cases in specific courts could have significant implications for access to justice for victims of domestic violence in various Catalan cities. By centralizing these cases, there is a risk that the justice system will be further strained, potentially impacting the quality and timeliness of legal proceedings for survivors.
The concerns raised by the bar associations highlight the need to carefully consider the implications of centralization on the legal rights and protections of victims. Ensuring that victims of domestic violence have access to specialized support and legal resources is essential in addressing the complexities of such cases. Additionally, the potential impact on the efficiency of the justice system must be taken into account to prevent further delays in delivering justice for survivors.
The statement issued by the Catalan Bar Council underscores the importance of maintaining localized access to justice for victims of domestic violence. By dispersing cases across various courts, there is a greater likelihood of tailored legal support and expedited legal proceedings for survivors. The proximity to legal resources and support services in their communities can also play a crucial role in empowering survivors to seek justice and protection.
As the Generalitat explores options for the specialization of courts handling domestic violence cases, it is imperative that the voices and concerns of legal experts, advocates, and survivors are taken into consideration. Collaborative efforts between legal professionals, government agencies, and community organizations are essential in developing a comprehensive and victim-centered approach to addressing domestic violence. By prioritizing the needs and rights of survivors, the justice system can better serve those affected by domestic violence and work towards preventing future instances of abuse.