The Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) and the Balearic Islands Health Service organised the conference “Society’s Response to Sexual Violence,” aimed at examining the social consequences of sexual violence and exploring how society, institutions and professionals contribute to victims’ recovery. The event, supported by the Ministry of Families, Social Welfare and Dependency Care and the Equality Department of the Consell de Mallorca, brought together nearly one hundred professionals from the social, healthcare and educational sectors.
TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
During the opening session, the Minister of Social Welfare and IMAS president, Guillermo Sánchez, emphasised that sexual violence affects society as a whole and highlighted the collective responsibility to guarantee support, protection and reparation. He stressed the significance of social harm —often overlooked— which includes the breakdown of relationships, isolation, loss of autonomy and even exclusion, long-lasting consequences that can shape the lives of victims for years.
The conference showcased innovative approaches, such as the concept of social harm presented by Estefania Molina and Susana Ortega, and the Barnahus model explained by Pilar Aranda i Lara and paediatrician Gloria Estopiña, which integrates coordinated institutional intervention in cases involving children and adolescents. The healthcare response to sexual violence, presented by Regina Muntaner Fernández, and the role of media in shaping public perception were also highlighted. Additionally, organisations such as Mar de Mariposas, Mamás en Acción, Fundación Amaranta and the Atura’t programme shared initiatives focused on reducing social harm and supporting survivors.