Following the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marked globally on 25 November, Spain has renewed its focus on strengthening measures to prevent and address workplace gender-based violence, particularly within public healthcare services. This commitment aligns with the obligations established by the Organic Law 3/2007 for Effective Equality between Women and Men and the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks, which require organisations to adopt clear procedures to prevent, detect and respond to situations of harassment or violence at work.
Recent evidence highlights why this work remains so important. A 2023 study by researchers from the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida and Imperial College London revealed a high prevalence of sexual harassment experienced by women in the healthcare and academic sectors in Spain, with physical forms of abuse reaching 44.9% in the health sector. Findings like these reinforce the need for strong internal protocols and accessible reporting channels, especially in large and complex organisations such as hospitals.
Some regional health services have already taken concrete steps. The Balearic Islands Health Service, for instance, has introduced an updated protocol to address sexual harassment and harassment based on sex or gender identity. The document clarifies reporting mechanisms, strengthens confidentiality guarantees and includes support measures for staff who may be affected. This type of practical guidance shows how public healthcare organisations are working to translate national commitments into day-to-day protection for their professionals.
These developments connect directly with the goals of BRAVE-WOW, which supports healthcare organisations in improving their internal capacity to prevent workplace violence and harassment. By reinforcing protocols in the weeks following the 25 November awareness efforts, healthcare institutions across Spain continue to advance towards safer, more supportive and more equitable working environments.