“This shortage is causing unacceptable delays in judicial cases involving minors, victims of gender-based violence, and people in vulnerable situations,” stated Carmen Reynés, Councillor for Social Welfare.

The Department of Social Welfare of the Consell Insular of Menorca has expressed its concern to the Ministry of Justice regarding the situation facing the judicial system on the island due to the lack of a forensic psychologist assigned to the courts in Menorca.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice, Councillor Carmen Reynés formally requested an urgent meeting to discuss this issue, stressing that the absence of such a professional is causing unacceptable delays in judicial proceedings, particularly those involving minors, victims of gender-based violence, and vulnerable individuals.

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The Consell Insular of Menorca Urges the Spanish Government to Appoint a Forensic Psychologist on the Island

Reynés warned that the lack of this specialised role jeopardises the effective judicial protection and fundamental rights of the most fragile members of society. “The situation is unsustainable and demands an immediate response,” she said, emphasising the need for a permanent and stable forensic psychology service in Menorca.

The Consell highlighted that, due to the island’s geographical isolation, the need to bring in professionals from other islands or the mainland not only delays legal processes further but also increases the burden on affected individuals. The institution is therefore calling for a structural solution to ensure a timely, rights-based service.

At the same time, the Consell has held discussions with the Governing Chamber of the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands and with the Deanery of Maó to offer collaboration and prevent further delays in victim support services.

“The absence of a forensic psychologist is just one of several shortcomings: the Ministry has yet to establish a specialized judicial section for handling gender-based violence cases in Menorca. This represents a clear inequality compared to other territories and islands. Victims in Menorca have the same right as any other woman in the Balearic Islands to be supported by specialized resources and a close, dedicated justice system,” Reynés concluded.