Spain is pioneering work to combat the scourge of domestic violence and wants Europe to follow its lead. Courts fast track cases allowing decisions to be handed down in days. Judges, lawyers and the police receive special training and a dedicated telephon

Reporter: Spain to Target Macho Men

In Spain 1 in 4 women fall victim   to physical violence.

The Spanish EU Presidency has   made this problem a priority.

EuroparlTV goes to Spain,   one of the leading countries

in the fight against this type of violence.

Is that true?   You didn't hit your wife?

The judge and lawyers   have special training

in how to handle   domestic violence cases.

Created in 2004, these Spanish   courts target this scourge,

Many, if not almost all the arrests come   after a huge intake of alcohol.

When the men have drunk a lot,   they lose control,

an argument ensues   and whatever happens happens.

Special courts are one thing,   giving them the power to act is another.

The government has created   a legal framework for quick proceedings.

A decision can be made   within a few days.

Following the verdict, the most   common action is a restraining order.

The restraining order, as well as   prohibiting communication and contact,

which don't pertain to criminal law   but to social rights

such as the right   of a child to change schools

or the right to change jobs   when different posts are available.

There is also the right to public housing.

Too often, violence   remains a taboo subject.

Centres for legal and psychological aid   help battered women.

making the most of the help available   to reintegrate back into society.

and try to provide them with the help   they need to start a new life.

Firstly, they need to recover   from the ill-effects

of their relationships on them.   These tend to be quite serious,

so take up the majority   of treatment time in this centre.

016, good afternoon, how can I help you?

Now victims and those close to them   can call a free emergency number.

The service is completely anonymous   and confidential.

016 gives information   on job and housing rights

and specialised legal   and social services.

A system respectful of women   has been put in place.

Since 2003 special police units   have fought against gender violence.

Officers have had to train   with psychologists, judges

and other social workers to become   part of this special unit.

Once the judge issues a restraining order,

their main function is to put together   a specific security plan for the victim,

to understand the specific, individual   needs of each victim.

The environment of trust built up   by all these measures brings results.

More and more women are brave enough   to come forward and report these men.

This unit, made up of two women and   one man, supports about 300 women.

depending on how serious   the risk of violence is.

We drive an undercover car   and dress in civilian clothes

and so her neighbours   aren't aware of what's going on.

We visit their homes and places of work.

This team's work   has not been in vain.

Last year, 20 fewer women were killed   by their partners in Spain than in 2008.

This project comes at a cost.   In 5 years, 800 million euros

have been invested   by the Spanish government.