Call a cab to fight gender violence in Almeria province

THREE HUNDRED Almeria taxis now display the Junta’s 900 200 999 helpline for women.

The cabbies have joined the campaign launched by the Andalucia Institute for Women (IAM) and Andalucia’s Federation of Taxi Drivers (FAAT)  to publicise a free, anonymous and confidential service for victims of gender violence.

The 900 200 999 number provides attention, advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, explained Maria Montagut, the IAM programme’s Almeria assessor.

Taxis that support the scheme not only display the helpline number on their doors, but driver’s can also supply cards with the same number.

“Enquiries from Almeria province to the 900 200 999 number rose from 3,956 in 2020 to 4,184 in 2021, an increase of almost 6 per cent,” Montagut said.

“Calls about gender violence grew by 52 per cent from 689 in 2020 to 1,049 last year.”

The IAM coordinator also revealed that gender violence accounted for almost 82 per cent of all calls to the helpline.

Montagut thanked Almeria’s Provincial Union of Taxi Drivers for their involvement and commitment to equality and freedom from sexist violence.

“At the same time, we should work from a position of unity, cooperation and collaboration in order to advance more rapidly in promoting equality and eradicating gender violence,” she said.