The network of safe spaces, which provides protection, assistance, and information to women who are victims of gender-based violence, is expanding to include the 2,400 pharmacies in the Valencian Community, with over 800 of them located in the province of Alicante.
The Ministry of Equality promoted the measure, which is the outcome of a collaboration with the three Official Colleges of Pharmacists of the Valencian Community. This initiative will enable pharmacies to be designated with an official badge, thereby confirming their status as purple points for women who have been victims of violence.
“Unfortunately, the summer months signal an increase in the number of sexual assaults and violent incidents. Consequently, we are initiating this network during this period.” When introducing the new brand, Susana Camarero, First Vice President and Regional Minister of Social Services, Equality, and Housing, stated that pharmacies will be a safe haven for women, where they can visit without fear, knowing that someone will be available to listen, guide, and assist. This initiative is designed to bolster the fight against violence against women in pharmacies.
Invincible
Andrés García, president of the Alicante College of Pharmacists, and Vicente Colomer, secretary of the association in Valencia, as well as representatives from provincial and professional associations in the pharmaceutical sector, and authorities from Castellón, attended the institutional event to present the pharmacies’ membership.
“The establishment of these safe spaces for women, where they can feel unjudged, is essential, as violence against women is not always immediately apparent,” stressed the president of Alicante College. He also underscored that this is primarily a campaign that is focused on detection, beginning with the numerous festivals held in August and continuing throughout the year.
García emphasises that community pharmacies were already designated as “violet points” due to their proximity to the neighbourhoods or towns in which they were situated. The objective is to provide professionals and victims with information and a telephone number, as well as to enable those affected to confidently identify pharmacies as a safe location.
The initiative acknowledges the dedication of chemists as community healthcare workers and enhances their training to respond effectively and sensitively to potential cases of gender-based violence.
The three Official Colleges confront the challenge with “pride and responsibility,” never forgetting that a professional is present behind each display, not only to dispense medication but also to listen, provide guidance, and potentially impact the life of a woman in need of support.
Advice and referral
The initiative includes specific training for pharmacy staff, which equips them with the ability to identify indications of violence, provide immediate assistance, and make appropriate referrals to specialised services.
“We rely on a network that encompasses every neighbourhood, city, municipality, and town.” Pharmacies are indispensable allies in communicating to all women that they are not alone, as they are situated near individuals. The vice president underscored that involvement is life-saving, but only when it is accompanied by instruments and knowledge.
Camarero emphasised the Consell’s initiatives in the battle against violence against women, providing data that accurately depicts the organisation’s impact.
This year’s attentions
In 2025, the 11 Women’s Centres provided services to over 6,000 women and nearly 600 minors. Furthermore, three new centres for victims of sexual assault have been established, and the specialised centres for trafficking and sexual exploitation have been fortified with the addition of a new professional figure in each centre. In the first half of 2025, over 4,400 women were served. Consell has also announced the establishment of two new residential centres for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Additionally, there are two 24-hour telephone lines, one of which is designated for sexual assaults. In 2024, these lines have received over 72,000 messages.
Other initiatives that are currently occurring include the distribution of chemical-detecting bracelets, the establishment of purple points at festivals and events, and awareness campaigns among young people. These initiatives are all designed to prevent, raise awareness about, and protect women from all forms of violence.
An additional 46% of the budget
Camarero underscored that this new distinction is a component of the Consell’s comprehensive strategy to combat violence against women through action. He observed that the budget allocated to this “scourge” has increased by 46% since his arrival in the Valencian Government, and the Commissioner for the Fight against Violence against Women has been established with specific powers to coordinate actions.
“When a woman enters a pharmacy and observes this badge, she will be assured that she has a secure location to seek assistance.” The vice president expressed gratitude to the over 5,600 chemists for their sensitivity, for their participation and involvement, and for becoming an active member of this protection network, which can serve as a refuge for numerous women and their children who are enduring the anguish of abuse, effective today.
Author: Derek Appleton
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