María Jesús de la Cruz:

Fuerteventura: 300 women in the VioGén system, 15 at high‑risk level

Fuerteventura currently has roughly 300 women registered in the VioGén monitoring system, of which fifteen are classified as high or special risk. The system provides individualized follow‑up for each case, assigning risk levels that determine the protective measures to be applied.

“Each case is a priority,” said María Jesús de la Cruz, the island’s state administrator.

The presence of fifteen women in elevated risk categories demands constant vigilance and stronger coordination between public administrations and security forces. De la Cruz placed these figures within the broader national context of gender‑based violence, noting that Spain records 14 women murdered each year – roughly one every five days – and three minors who are victims of vicarious violence.

“Equality is the path to eradicate violence,” she emphasized, stressing the need for education, prevention, and adequate resources.

Command Post to be operational before summer

In the security sector, De la Cruz announced a significant reinforcement:

• The Command Post will be activated before the summer.
• The Civilian Security Unit of the Command (USECIC) will also be established, enhancing the Civil Guard’s capacity to respond swiftly to complex situations, including gender‑based violence cases.

She also referenced ongoing discussions about a Civil Guard post in Antigua, where the mayor has proposed ceding 5,000 m² of land at the entrance to Caleta de Fuste and financing the construction with municipal funds.

Regarding the future National Police barracks in Puerto del Rosario, for which the capital municipality has offered land near the Francisco Melián football field, De la Cruz clarified that the land transfer is only mentioned in a press release and that a prior consensus on the parcel’s suitability is still required.

A “useful” administration for citizens

Beyond security, De la Cruz highlighted the importance of bringing public administration closer to island residents:

• Initiatives are underway to simplify access to public services and improve interaction with the population.
• Her team conducts outreach “in the afternoons, voluntarily,” presenting digital‑certificate procedures, permanent key acquisition, and the citizen folder in schools and community centers.

During the current legislative term, she has also promoted cultural projects, such as exhibitions at the General State Administration headquarters in Fuerteventura and traveling shows across the islands, the latest titled “Eight Women, Eight Islands.”

“We want an administration that is close, accessible, and effective,” De la Cruz concluded, reaffirming that the goal is for the administration to be useful for the citizens.