The center, whose opening was announced in September 2024, began operations on April 1 at 37 Coruña Street. This resource, managed by the Ministry of Family, Youth and Social Affairs, has an annual investment of 410,000 euros.
A multidisciplinary team of up to eight professionals offers psychological, legal, sexological, educational, labor, and social support. Services are coordinated with health services and can be accessed in person, by phone, or via instant messaging, always ensuring user privacy and confidentiality.
“"We continue to incorporate new resources for female victims. In fact, we have very recently created resources, also pioneers in Spain, such as those specialized in female victims with intellectual disabilities, who want to leave prostitution, victims of trafficking... We are the only region that has four specific centers to care for female victims of sexual violence, two of them with 24-hour care, and 88 information points for the care of women and their families, but this is a reality that also needs to be addressed without neglecting others. It is our responsibility."
The initiative has sparked debate, with criticism from the opposition, especially from progressive parties, who have called it a "mockery" or "bait." On the other hand, it has received support from other political groups, who consider it necessary to assist male victims of sexual violence who, due to social stigma, do not dare to report it.
According to data from the Ministry, the Community's health services annually assist an average of 100 male victims of sexual assault, many of them in the context of chemsex, a practice involving the intentional use of drugs for prolonged sexual encounters. This trend, often affecting the trans and LGTBIQ+ community, and individuals in socio-economic vulnerability, such as migrants and unemployed people, has been increasing since 2017.
The center also addresses other situations, such as men involved in prostitution or those who have suffered physical abuse during childhood or adolescence. In the last decade, 16,615 homosexual or bisexual men have visited Sexual Health and Rapid HIV-STI Testing Services in the region, of whom 10.4% (1,728) reported having sex under the influence of psychoactive substances, a percentage that rose to 32.2% in the last year.
