Andorra Launches Campaign Against Rising Digital Gender Violence

Andorran authorities and Andorra Telecom have launched a prevention campaign targeting digital gender violence, as cases detected from January to May this year already match the full total of 12 recorded throughout 2025.

The Gender Violence Victims' Attention Service attended 229 women during that period, with 12 incidents involving digital abuse. This figure doubles the six cases from 2024 and quadruples the three from 2023, according to State Secretary for Equality and Citizen Participation Mariona Cadena. She noted that heightened public awareness, better professional training, and improved detection are driving the rise. "The public is increasingly aware and knows what resources are available; professionals are better trained, leading to more identifications," Cadena said.

The initiative, framed within the broader "Uncover the violence. It doesn't always leave a mark" campaign that began on November 25 for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, spotlights normalized online behaviors in relationships. These include demanding passwords, tracking locations, requiring instant replies, or sharing inappropriate content without consent. Cadena warned that new forms of violence keep emerging, particularly among youth who may view constant location sharing as affection rather than control.

Psychologists Sílvia Palau and Marta Santos, consulted on the issue, emphasized that sharing locations can be helpful in specific situations—like walking alone at night or traveling—but becomes abusive when involuntary or fear-driven. "It's not the same to share because it's useful as to do so out of fear of consequences," Palau said. Santos added that geolocation should serve as a tool for care, not perpetual trust-testing, and must remain voluntary and reversible to preserve privacy and autonomy. The practice has also spread among friend groups, where it risks turning into a social obligation.

Andorra Telecom's deputy director general, César Marquina, committed to amplifying awareness messages on social media this month. He stressed the company's responsibility to promote safe, respectful technology use for genuine connections.

Cadena also praised the positive reception of Purple Points at this summer's major festivals, noting growing trust in these prevention and support services without stigma.

Victims can reach the service voluntarily, without police involvement, through the Equality Network. Officials anticipate further case increases as digital tool use expands among adolescents.