The regional government of Andalusia, led by President Juanma Moreno of the Popular Party, has transferred control of the Integral Assessment Units for Gender Violence to the Department of Justice. This department is currently headed by Manuel Gavira, a leader from the Vox party, as part of a recent coalition government agreement. These units are essential components of the judicial system, as they provide expert reports from forensic doctors, psychologists, and social workers that help courts determine the risks faced by victims and the appropriate legal protections to implement.
The decision follows a coalition pact between the Popular Party and Vox, which includes a commitment to review and potentially repeal laws or entities deemed to have an ideological bias. Vox has long been a vocal critic of existing gender violence legislation, frequently describing the current support structure as unnecessary or ideologically motivated. By placing these assessment units under the authority of the Department of Justice, the government has effectively granted Vox oversight of the very services the party has previously sought to reform or dismantle.
These assessment units were established in 2004 to provide specialized evaluations in cases of domestic abuse. Their reports are critical for judicial decisions, including the granting of protection orders, custody arrangements, and access to social support for women and children. The shift in management has raised immediate questions about the future of these evaluations and whether the criteria used to assess victims might change under new leadership.
While the government has not yet moved to repeal the underlying laws, the administrative change allows for significant structural influence. Observers and political opponents are closely watching how this new oversight will affect the daily operations of the units and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The practical impact on victims, who rely on these assessments for safety and legal support, remains a primary concern for civil society groups and political critics alike.