Barcelona – A newly established court dedicated to violence against children and adolescents in Barcelona has seen a significant caseload in its first three months of operation, handling approximately 300 cases since January 1st. The court is responding to a growing need to address issues ranging from child maltreatment and sexual assault to financial neglect, signaling a heightened focus on protecting vulnerable youth in the region.
The specialized court, a first for Barcelona, began functioning at the start of 2026 and is now responsible for investigating cases where the victim is a minor. This includes a particularly sensitive case involving a hospitalized infant who authorities believe was subjected to maltreatment and sexual assault by their parents, according to judicial sources.
Beyond physical and sexual abuse, the court is also addressing emerging forms of harm to children. Cases involving the capture of images of minors in private settings, such as restrooms in primary care centers, have come to the court’s attention, as highlighted by a recent incident in the Eixample district. The court is also grappling with a substantial number of cases related to unpaid child support, representing roughly 20% of its current workload.
This new judicial specialization was established following a reform of the law on efficiency and was initially tested in Gran Canaria before being implemented in three cities across Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga, each with a single designated court. Magistrate Guillermo Benlloch currently presides over the Barcelona court.
However, judicial sources have expressed concerns about whether a single judge will be sufficient to manage the volume of cases related to violence against children in Barcelona, noting the challenges of balancing urgent matters with ongoing casework. The court is attempting to streamline processes to address this concern.
Expediting Cases Through Rapid Trials
To accelerate case resolution, the court is utilizing a rapid trial procedure for cases involving unpaid child support. This approach is based on the understanding, supported by the Spanish Supreme Court’s jurisprudence, that failure to provide financial support can constitute economic violence, harming both children and the parent – often mothers – who rely on those funds. When this occurs, it can be prosecuted as a form of gender-based violence, qualifying for the expedited trial process.
The rapid trial system, initially tested in Gran Canaria, simplifies investigations by focusing on verifying the financial situation of the accused and confirming whether payments have been made. According to criminal lawyer Noemí Martí, the entire investigative process within this framework can be completed in a single day, during the judge’s on-call shift. If the accused confesses and reaches an agreement with the prosecution, they may receive a one-third reduction in their sentence, with the judge issuing a ruling on the same day. If no agreement is reached, the trial is scheduled for the following weeks, and in cases of unpaid child support, the accused could face up to one year in prison.
Initial assessments of this method in Barcelona are positive. “If we can process unpaid support cases through rapid trials, it significantly shortens judicial proceedings,” Martí explained. “It benefits the accused through the potential sentence reduction and helps the mother by expediting the process.” Judicial sources report that many accused individuals are opting to confess and take advantage of the reduced penalty rather than risk a full trial. In some instances, simply facing a pending trial or accusation is enough to prompt individuals to resume payments before a court date.
The establishment of this specialized court reflects a broader effort to prioritize the protection of children and adolescents in Spain. The court’s early caseload underscores the urgent need for dedicated resources and efficient procedures to address the complex challenges of violence against minors. The focus on rapid trials for financial neglect cases demonstrates an innovative approach to tackling a form of abuse that often goes underreported and can have devastating consequences for families.
The court’s address is Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 111 (Edif. C), 08075 Barcelona, Catalonia. Those seeking to contact the court can do so by phone at 93 221 77 44 or via email at sct.via1.barcelona@xij.gencat.cat.
As the court continues to navigate its initial months, its success will depend on its ability to manage its caseload effectively, collaborate with relevant agencies, and ensure that the rights and well-being of vulnerable children are at the forefront of its decisions.
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