BarcelonaOn Tuesday afternoon, the Goethe Institut in Barcelona hosted the first of four seminars to raise awareness and denounce gender violence, organized by the ARA with the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The meeting was coordinated by the writer and screenwriter Anna Manso and the writer and researcher Amanda Mauri. They also made use of the collaboration of the Mossos d’Esquadra body, with police officer Judith Avellaneda, of the Central Victim Attention and Monitoring Unit of the Mossos d’Esquadra. The aim of the meeting was to share experiences and tools for reflection in the community, to learn to identify situations of gender violence and to understand how to report them.
From the beginning the relaxed and participatory tone characterized the meeting. Both Manso and Mauri raised reflections, some of which are based on personal experiences, which highlight situations that are often not identified as violence even though they are. The first question they asked the public was whether they had suffered some type of more or less serious assault, and all the women raised their hands. The importance of giving words to experiences has been demonstrated, because if they are not made invisible as if they did not exist, and this is the starting point for being able to act. Ms. Judith Avellaneda began her speech by admitting that the perception of gender violence has evolved and, although much work remains to be done and most victims still feel ashamed, we are getting closer to understanding who should feel ashamed the aggressor and not the victim.
During the meeting they reflected on how violence affects women, what it means to be a victim, possible revictimizations, how to go from victim to survivor, the types of violence that exist, the importance of identifying them, of networking and not living in fear or the shameful need to change sides, which has become one of the rallying cries of this 25-N. The Plegades have come to the conclusion that it is essential to network, create community by sharing experiences, and change the imagination of what is possible or what it means to live fully and free from violence. Furthermore, to move towards a society free from violence, it is necessary to talk about masculinity, to do cultural work that generates new male referents.
We cannot remain silent
On the occasion of the last 25-N, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Department of Equality and Feminism promoted the campaign Silence is violenceto end complicity in the face of sexist violence. “The time of silence is over, because we are faced with the need for a profound social and cultural change, in which each person must take on their role to put an end to this systemic problem”, councilor Eva Menor assured in her presentation . It is a campaign that is aimed at the whole of society, and in particular at men, who are actively involved in denouncing gender violence and preventing it. “Faced with the evidence of male violence, what position do you want to have? An active person who says enough is enough or a passive accomplice to this violence?”, asked the minister.
Based on the idea that everyone is capable of identifying physical aggression, and that this is male violence, the campaign also wants to reflect other situations of violence, often trivialised, normalized and invisible, which limit the lives of the people who suffer it. The councilor recalled that shame must change sides: “This is why we want to activate the collective conscience of society, because together we all fight the permissiveness that exists with all the sexist messages that have been accepted in our days up until today and that they are generators of violence.”
Silence is violence it is a campaign aimed above all at young people, a question that responds to the desire to work on prevention and awareness and which, concretely, wants to be accompanied by the creation of a service against digital violence that the department will launch in the coming months.
ask for help
112 is the telephone number to call in the event of an attack.
601 00 11 22 is the WhatsApp number where you can also ask for help.
900 900 120 is the free confidential service active 24 hours a day every day of the year to call if you have been a witness or victim of a situation of gender violence.
[email protected] is the email that responds to requests relating to any form of violence against women.
– What are the key themes discussed in seminars focused on gender violence awareness?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Amanda Mauri – Expert in Gender Violence Awareness
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Amanda. Thank you for joining us today. You recently participated in a seminar at the Goethe Institut in Barcelona focusing on raising awareness about gender violence. Can you tell us what prompted the organization of these seminars?
Amanda Mauri: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The seminars, organized by ARA with support from the Generalitat de Catalunya, aim to address the ongoing issue of gender violence in our society. We recognized the need to create safe spaces for dialog, where experiences can be shared, and tools for reflection and action can be provided. It’s essential to empower individuals, especially women, to identify instances of gender violence and understand their rights regarding reporting such cases.
Time.news Editor: It’s encouraging to hear about such initiatives. During the meeting, it was noted that many participants raised their hands when asked if they had experienced some form of assault. Why do you think it’s vital for women to share these experiences?
Amanda Mauri: Sharing experiences plays a crucial role in breaking the silence that often surrounds gender violence. Many women might not initially recognize their experiences as violence due to societal conditioning. By giving words to these experiences, we validate them and begin to peel back the layers of shame and isolation that often accompany victimhood. This awareness is the first step towards collective action and support.
Time.news Editor: Judith Avellaneda, a police officer from the Mossos d’Esquadra, spoke about the changing perceptions surrounding gender violence. Can you elaborate on how public perception has evolved and what still needs to be done?
Amanda Mauri: Yes, Judith highlighted something important: there’s been a shift in understanding that the shame belongs to the aggressor, not the victim. We are seeing more conversations that challenge the stigma faced by survivors. However, despite this progress, many victims still feel embarrassed and reluctant to come forward. Continuous education, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and fostering an environment of support are critical in encouraging individuals to speak out.
Time.news Editor: One of the seminar’s discussions revolved around shifting from victimhood to survival and empowerment. Can you explain how that process can be facilitated?
Amanda Mauri: The transition from victim to survivor involves both personal and communal empowerment. It starts with acknowledging violence and understanding its various forms—not only physical but emotional and psychological as well. Creating networks where survivors can share their experiences fosters a sense of community. It’s also about redefining narratives around masculinity and encouraging men to become allies. This cultural shift is essential in promoting a society that does not tolerate violence.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the campaign “Silence is Violence,” promoted by the Department of Equality and Feminism. How can individuals, particularly men, actively contribute to this change?
Amanda Mauri: The campaign underscores that silence complicity in violence. Men must understand that they play a vital role in addressing gender violence. This means actively speaking out against it, challenging peers who perpetuate toxic masculinity, and creating safe environments for women. Everyone has a role—whether it’s engaging in discussions, supporting survivors, or holding aggressors accountable. Encouraging men to reflect on their roles is a powerful step towards preventing violence.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a collective effort is necessary to drive change. What do you hope will be the outcome of these seminars and discussions in the long run?
Amanda Mauri: My hope is that we continue to dismantle the barriers to reporting and discussing gender violence. By fostering a culture of openness, support, and shared responsibility, we can reshape societal attitudes. After these seminars, I believe participants will leave not only with a greater understanding of the issues but also empowered to take action. Ultimately, we are aiming for a future where everyone can live fully and freely without the fear of violence.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Amanda, for your insights and the important work you’re doing. It’s essential to keep these conversations going, and I hope more people get involved in this vital cause.
Amanda Mauri: Thank you for having me! Conversations like these are crucial for bringing about change.