Nearly 800 Gender Violence-Related Emergency Calls Made in Lanzarote During First Half of 2026
The Canary Islands’ emergency support services have reported a significant rise in calls linked to gender-based violence, with almost 800 of those calls originating from Lanzarote during the first six months of 2026.
New figures released by the Canary Islands Government show that between January and June, the region’s specialist 112 service for women experiencing gender-based violence received 9,693 calls, representing an increase of around 13% compared with the same period last year. Of those, 795 calls came from Lanzarote, highlighting the continued need for support services across the island.
Most Calls Required an Emergency Response
More than half of all calls received across the Canary Islands were classified as emergencies, meaning there was an immediate risk to the victim and urgent action was needed.
During the six-month period:
- 5,717 calls were treated as emergencies.
- Police officers were deployed thousands of times.
- Health services were mobilised hundreds of times.
- Emergency accommodation was provided to women and children needing immediate protection.
- Over 1,100 emergency interventions were coordinated through specialist support services.
Who Are the Aggressors?
The latest data shows that in approximately 65% of reported cases, the alleged aggressor was either the victim’s current partner or former partner.
However, authorities stressed that abuse is not limited to intimate relationships. Reports also involved alleged violence by:
- Adult children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Friends
- Strangers
Officials say this demonstrates that gender-based violence can occur in a variety of situations and relationships.
Calls From Younger and Older Victims Increase
One of the most concerning trends in the latest figures is the increase in calls involving both younger and older victims.
Compared with the first half of last year:
- Calls relating to girls under 18 increased by more than 30%.
- Reports involving women aged over 76 also rose significantly.
Authorities believe this highlights the importance of ensuring support services are accessible to women of every age.
Different Types of Violence Reported
The emergency service dealt with a wide range of incidents.
Most reports involved either:
- Physical violence.
- Psychological, emotional or coercive abuse without physical assault.
A smaller proportion related to sexual violence, with specialist crisis centres activated whenever required.
Not Every Call Comes From the Victim
Interestingly, the figures show that many emergency calls are made by people witnessing or becoming aware of abuse.
While victims themselves made the largest proportion of calls, reports also came from:
- Members of the public.
- Public institutions.
- Family members.
- Professionals working with vulnerable people.
Officials continue to encourage anyone who believes someone is in immediate danger to contact the emergency services.
What This Means for Lanzarote
With 795 calls recorded in just six months, Lanzarote reflects a wider issue affecting communities across the Canary Islands.
Although the vast majority of visitors will never encounter this type of incident during their stay, the figures serve as a reminder that domestic and gender-based violence exists in every society, including popular holiday destinations.
For residents, the latest statistics underline the importance of continued awareness, early intervention and ensuring those affected know where to seek help.
The Canary Islands Government says it will continue strengthening protection measures, improving early detection and raising public awareness in an effort to reduce gender-based violence and support victims.
