This new service is aimed at victims of gender violence and their children. Assistance will be priority, comprehensive and with professionals specialising in this area.

To improve the quality of immediate-assistance and accompaniment responses for victims, the victim-assistance service (SAV) will offer the following:

• Assistance in statement-taking for individuals who want advice or to lodge a criminal complaint.
• Drafting affidavits, complementing the victim’s rights and preparing police risk-assessment questionnaires.
• Comprehensive assistance in coordination with the counselling services of the municipal network and the Mossos d’Esquadra [regional police] force.
• Friendly spaces with areas for children to stay in and suitable assistance compartments for helping to reduce emotional stress and anxiety and facilitating statement-taking.

This is the new comprehensive assistance model the Guàrdia Urbana [city police] will be using to become one of the most specialist police forces in providing initial care for victims. Barcelona City Council offers all members of the public a wide range of free confidential services on prevention, support and the eradication of gender violence, that can all be found here.