The implementation of the Barnahus model continues to advance in Spain, with the Balearic Islands hosting an event to raise awareness of child-friendly and multidisciplinary practices for supporting child victims of sexual violence. The session, organised by the joint European Union - Council of Europe project “Barnahus in Spain – Strengthening child-friendly justice among Barnahus-type services in Spanish regions” together with the Government of the Balearic Islands, took place in Palma de Mallorca on 27 January 2026. More than 100 participants attended, including representatives from judicial authorities, public institutions, and professionals working for and with children.
Sandra Fernández Herranz, Regional Counselor for Families, Social Welfare and Care Dependency, opened the event by confirming the commitment made by the Balearic Government in 2025 to implement the Barnahus model and highlighting the importance of co-ordinated action between judicial, social, and health services to strengthen protection for child victims of violence. The event presented the Barnahus model and allowed for sharing lessons from the Barnahus centres in Cataluña, implemented since 2020.
Representatives from the General Council of the Judiciary and the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament outlined ongoing institutional efforts to integrate the Barnahus model into judicial practice. Discussions demonstrated how the model improves co-ordination between services, reduces secondary victimisation, and enhances protection for child victims.
This awareness-raising event contributes both to the implementation of the Regional Roadmap for the Balearic Islands and to the project’s capacity-building objectives, equipping professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to provide child-friendly support and justice, in view of the upcoming opening of Barnahus premises in the region.
The project is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and co-funded and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission, Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM), and in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Youth and Childhood and the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament.
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