Maricarmen, one more of those who promoted change
The eviction of an 87-year-old neighbor has triggered a social response to a deep crisis. It remains to be seen if politics rises to the occasion.
Maricarmen, a victim of domestic violence, was one of many who sparked societal change. Ana Orantes Ruiz, a 40-year-old woman, was murdered by her ex-husband in their shared courtyard in Cúllar Vega, Granada, on December 17, 1997. The judge had previously ruled that she and her husband should continue living in their home, with each occupying different areas of the courtyard. He rarely visited, but occasionally did so, and on this fateful day, after seeing her on television, he killed her in the shared space.
Ana's story brought to light the issue of domestic violence, which had previously been considered a private matter. Her tragic death resonated with society and led to increased awareness of the problem. This incident prompted a change in public sensitivity and triggered legislative changes to address this issue.
In 1999, the Aznar government amended the Penal Code, making psychological violence a criminal act and introducing restraining orders. In 2004, during the Zapatero administration, the comprehensive law against gender violence was approved. Finally, in 2007, the Equal Treatment Law for Women and Men was enacted.
Ana Orantes' murder brought to light an existing social problem and changed the legal framework that had previously failed to provide adequate responses. This awakening of public consciousness led to changes in laws that had previously overlooked this issue.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
