The Department of Equality presents a comprehensive program of awareness, training and prevention of gender violence

The Department of Equality of the Torrevieja City Council, headed by Inmaculada Montesinos, continues to develop an extensive program of activities aimed at promoting equal opportunities, preventing gender violence, and fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. Throughout May, June, and September, numerous initiatives will be carried out targeting different sectors of the population, from schoolchildren and families to law enforcement professionals.

Among the activities already held, the installation of the Purple Point during the May Fair, from May 7 to 10, stands out. This awareness and information space was attended by approximately 130 people, of whom 70 were women and 60 were men, establishing itself as a fundamental tool for the prevention and awareness of sexist violence.

THE “IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU” CAMPAIGN BRINGS PREVENTION CLOSER TO THE PUBLIC

As part of this program, today, Thursday, May 29, the Plaza de la Constitución hosts the awareness-raising activity “It Could Happen to You,” a participatory initiative aimed at all citizens. Its objective is to help identify the signs and indicators of gender-based violence through educational and informative activities. The activity takes place throughout the morning and afternoon thanks to funding from the State Pact against Gender Violence.

PEPUKA ARRIVES IN TORREVIEJA TO EDUCATE IN EQUALITY FROM CHILDHOOD

Prevention from an early age occupies a prominent place in the municipal program with the arrival in Torrevieja of PEPUKA, the renowned educational story created by the pedagogue and expert in gender violence Estela Moreno Bermúdez.

The author will visit several schools in the municipality, including Cuba, Romualdo Ballester, and Inmaculada schools, and will also participate in a public event at the Carmen Jalón Municipal Library next Monday, June 1st. Families can enjoy free storytelling sessions and a screening of the short film based on this inspiring story of overcoming adversity, which has become a national and international benchmark in the prevention of gender-based violence from childhood.

WORKSHOPS TO BREAK DOWN STEREOTYPES IN EDUCATIONAL CENTERS

The Department of Equality will also be running the children's workshops "Dismantling Stereotypes" during the month of June, an educational initiative that includes 20 hours of training and reflection with the aim of questioning traditional gender roles and promoting that boys and girls freely develop their abilities and interests.

The workshops will be held at the Inmaculada, Las Culturas, Amanecer and Romualdo Ballester schools, as well as at the Concilia Summer 2026 School, thanks to the grant from the Alicante Provincial Council.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR LOCAL POLICE IN GENDER VIOLENCE

The program also includes a significant focus on training for professionals involved in victim protection. From June 15th to 18th, a specialized workshop on gender violence will be held at the Torrevieja Tourism Center (CdT), primarily aimed at the Local Police and open to members of the Civil Guard.

The course, accredited by the Valencian Institute of Public Safety and Emergencies (IVASPE), will cover criminal and procedural aspects related to gender violence, as well as the operation of the VIOGEN system. The training will be delivered by Juan Antonio Jover Pinar, a Civil Guard sergeant, and will last a total of 20 hours.

LGBT GALA TO HIGHLIGHT DIVERSITY AND RECOGNIZE ITS PIONEERS

On June 26, the Palacio de la Música will host the LGBTI Collective Gala, an initiative that seeks to raise awareness among the population about the discrimination that many people still suffer because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as to prevent any form of violence or exclusion.

During the event, a tribute will be paid to the individuals who founded Torrevieja's first LGBTQ+ association, recognizing their contribution to the defense of rights and equality. The gala will also include a performance of the play "Little Family Secrets" by the Melpómene company, with free admission for all attendees.

A UNIVERSITY COURSE TO REFLECT ON NEW MASCULINITIES

The city's program will conclude after the summer with the free online course "Masculinities: From Hegemonic to Egalitarian Practices," part of the Miguel Hernández University Summer Courses. Under the theme "Being Men Today: Towards Happy, Healthy, and Egalitarian Masculinities," this training will run from September 3 to 29, lasting 25 hours and open to all citizens.

The Councillor for Equality, Inmaculada Montesinos, emphasized that “this program reflects the Torrevieja City Council’s firm commitment to continuing to build a more egalitarian society, free from violence and based on respect, coexistence, and shared responsibility.” She also stressed that “education, awareness-raising, and training are essential tools for advancing equality and preventing any form of discrimination.”