The start of the academic year has once again brought hazing into focus. The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), the Madrid City Council, the Municipal Police, and the Association of Madrid University Halls of Residence have collaborated on new prevention strategies. Presented data indicates that these actions have resulted in an 80% decrease in hazing over the past five years.
These initiatives build upon previous campaigns such as "Zero Tolerance" and "#UNuevoSeptiembre", consolidating five years of coordinated work in prevention, awareness, detection, and support, with the ultimate goal of eradicating hazing in the affiliated and university-owned halls of residence.
Rosa María de la Fuente, UCM's Vice-Rector for Students, explained that preventive work begins before September, with activities designed to raise awareness among first-year students. These integration practices include outings off-campus to meet new people and make friends, assuring newcomers that they "will never be alone."
De la Fuente reported that 140 hall residents have been addressed to warn them against participating in hazing, practices that may seem fun initially but can turn into nightmares. However, she noted that situations involving "alcohol consumption and coercion" still persist, particularly through digital channels like social media and WhatsApp groups.
“"If we educate hall residents not to use violence, we are creating citizens who will not be violent or abusive in the future."
Students requiring support can use a QR code for anonymous contact with the vice-rectorate's inbox. Additionally, students in university halls will have access to UCM's psychological support service, Psicall, available seven days a week.
Carlos Orgaz, a liaison officer with the National Police, confirmed the officers' involvement through awareness talks in halls of residence and student dormitories, complemented by preventive patrols. Surveys conducted among students show a majority rejection of such practices.
Borja Fanjul, president of the Moncloa-Aravaca District Board, highlighted that approximately 60,000 students arrive in Madrid annually, emphasizing the importance of facilitating their daily lives. He stressed the students' own responsibility in eradicating hazing, especially in private spaces like apartments where police intervention is limited.
The Association of Madrid University Halls of Residence, through its president Alejandro Cremades, has publicly condemned hazing, promoting a "zero tolerance" policy and warning that any non-compliance will be pursued legally.
Hazing is classified as a serious offense under the University Coexistence Law, potentially leading to severe sanctions, including academic expulsion. Cremades acknowledged the significant reduction achieved over the past five years but cautioned about the problem shifting to apartments and parks, areas that are more difficult to control, necessitating continued efforts.
Paloma Ordóñez Franco, representing Madrid Salud, presented the addiction prevention service, focused on reducing drug consumption, gambling, and problematic use of new technologies. She stressed the importance of people knowing that municipal resources are available to help with addiction issues, likening it to seeking medical help for a physical injury.
The five involved institutions have established a joint strategy encompassing prevention, detection, support, and surveillance, aiming to facilitate the integration of new students and protect their dignity against abusive practices.
