Critics of the decision to place the Integral Assessment Units under Vox's control warn that it poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of women and children in Andalusia. By granting authority over these sensitive services to a party that has openly denied the existence of gender-based violence and labeled support structures as 'ideological,' the government is creating a conflict of interest that could undermine the entire protection system. These units are designed to provide objective, expert assessments for victims who are often in life-threatening situations; placing them under the supervision of those who are hostile to their mission risks intimidating both the professionals and the victims themselves.
Opponents argue that the move is a clear attempt to weaken the protections established by the 2004 Gender Violence Law. They fear that even without formal legislative changes, the administrative control will lead to a 'chilling effect' where professionals may feel pressured to alter their assessment criteria to align with the political views of the new leadership. This could result in fewer protection orders, more difficult custody battles for victims, and a general erosion of the support mechanisms that have been vital in reducing violence over the past two decades.
Furthermore, critics point out that the rhetoric used by Vox regarding these units—often calling them 'ideological chiringuitos' or 'superfluous'—suggests that the goal is not reform, but the systematic dismantling of gender equality policies. By allowing this transfer, the Popular Party is seen as enabling a political agenda that prioritizes partisan ideology over the fundamental rights and safety of vulnerable citizens. The potential for long-term damage to the judicial process and the loss of trust among victims who rely on these services are the primary concerns for those opposing the move.