Sueña Torrevieja has put forward a proposal for the town to join the VIOPET programme, a national initiative designed to protect victims of gender-based violence and their companion animals.
The proposal highlights a serious and often overlooked issue: domestic abuse does not only affect people, but also the animals living within those households. In many cases, pets are used by abusers as a form of control, intimidation, or emotional pressure, further deepening the vulnerability of victims.
The VIOPET programme aims to address this by ensuring that victims are not forced to choose between their own safety and the welfare of their animals. Through a network of specialised shelters and foster care, pets can be safely cared for while victims access the support and protection they need.
Speaking on the initiative, Sueña Torrevieja spokesperson Pablo Samper explained that animal abuse is frequently used as a coercive tool in situations of gender-based violence. He emphasised that the programme provides a more complete and humane response, allowing victims to leave dangerous environments without fear for the safety of their animals.
From a local perspective, the proposal represents an important step towards strengthening support services in Torrevieja. By joining the programme, the town would align itself with a growing number of municipalities across Spain already participating in this coordinated national effort.
The VIOPET programme operates under the Dirección General de Derechos de los Animales, in collaboration with the Observatorio de Violencia hacia los Animales. Its core objective is to provide practical and emotional support to victims, recognising the strong bond between people and their pets and the role this plays in decision-making during crisis situations.
Sueña Torrevieja has expressed its hope that the proposal will be approved at the upcoming plenary session scheduled for 27 April. If passed, the motion would initiate the process for Torrevieja to formally join the programme and expand its support framework for victims of gender-based violence.
This initiative reflects a broader shift towards more inclusive protection measures, acknowledging that safeguarding vulnerable individuals often means protecting every member of the household, including animals.
