Andorra Approves State Advances for Victims of Gender Violence When Aggressors Are Insolvent

The Andorran Council of Ministers approved a new regulation on Wednesday that allows victims of gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and sexual freedom offences to request state advances on court-ordered compensations if the aggressor is insolvent.

State Secretary for Equality and Citizen Participation, Mariona Cadena, outlined the process, stating that applications can be submitted once a final conviction is in place. Victims must apply via the electronic headquarters or in person at the procedures service, including a copy of the judicial resolution setting the compensation amount and documentation from the criminal proceedings verifying injury severity or temporary incapacity duration.

Requests can cover the full amount or the remaining balance if the aggressor has made partial payment. They must be filed between three months and one year after the court demands payment from the aggressor.

In cases of the victim's death, non-emancipated minor children or adult children with disabilities who were financially dependent can apply. These claims require proof of affiliation, dependency or disability status, economic situation, and a sworn declaration confirming no incompatible payments have been received.

The regulation includes a transitional provision enabling applications for convictions issued from 12 February 2015, with a deadline of 30 October 2027.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has allocated €3.8 million under family benefits to cover these payments. The government can later recover the amounts from the offender.

The measure develops Law 17/2025 amending legislation on eradicating gender-based and domestic violence, in line with the Istanbul Convention. It applies to offences committed in Andorran territory resulting in direct injuries or harm.