EU Reports 150% Rise in Sexual Violence Over Decade, Spain Records 322% Increase

This marks an average annual growth of about 10% in sexual violence and 7% in rapes over the decade. The office noted that the figures represent 124,350 more sexual violence cases and nearly 59,000 additional rapes compared to 2014. Eurostat stated that the increase could be linked to greater social awareness affecting reporting rates.

Spain, reported violations rose from 1,239 in 2014 to 5,222 in 2024, a 322% increase, according to the data cited by La Razon. This figure is above the EU average. Penetrative rape cases in Spain increased 143% from 2,143 in 2019 to 5,206 in 2024. Attempted murder cases in Spain nearly doubled from 836 in 2019 to 1,507 in 2023. Murder numbers remained stable at around 300 per year.

A CEU-CEFAS Demographic Observatory report stated that foreigners make up 31% of Spain's prison population in 2024. The report indicated that foreigners commit per capita 500% more rapes and 414% more murders than Spanish citizens. The report highlighted higher rates among individuals from Arab and Latin American countries.

It also noted overrepresentation in crimes like robbery with violence, at 440% more likely for foreigners. The study stated that Spain's aging population should have led to lower crime rates, but an influx of 3.8 million migrants per decade has contributed to increased violent crime.

The report confirmed that violent crimes are predominantly committed by young men, with foreigners showing higher rates for serious offenses. Data on prison populations showed that foreign-born individuals, excluding naturalized or second-generation immigrants, represent 31% of inmates, more than double their share in the 20-69 age group.

North Africans and Latin Americans were noted for significant overrepresentation.

News reported on regional statistics, including in the Basque region, showing overrepresentation of foreigners in serious crimes like sexual assault. Eurostat did not provide data on the nationalities of those committing the crimes. The report mentioned an incident in Barcelona where North African migrants were caught on camera attempting to bundle an 11-year-old girl into a car, as described by her mother.