The introduction of specialized courts for crimes against children has created legal uncertainty. It remains unclear whether these cases should be handled by the new childhood courts or by violence against women courts, which recently gained jurisdiction over all sexual crimes.
While the Supreme Court ruled that these cases belong to childhood tribunals, Attorney General Teresa Peramato has ordered prosecutors to refer them to violence against women courts to ensure a gender perspective is applied.
“"Peramato's order surprised us, but we hope for an exception in cities with specialized courts."
In Barcelona, Judge Cristina Serrano has referred a specific case to the Barcelona Provincial Court after a jurisdictional dispute arose regarding a victim who is now an adult, seeking a definitive legal guideline.
