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Spain already has emergency phone numbers for police, ambulance and firefighting services, as well as specific helplines for victims of domestic and gender violence, drug addiction support and even a dedicated Tourist Helpline.

 

Now, on the back of Pride Month, the country has decided to launch a special number for victims of LGBTQI+ hate crimes that is available in six different languages, including English.

 

The Ministry of Equality has made the phone number ‘028’ available for anyone to call if they feel threatened or discriminated against because of their gender or sexuality.

 

The number 028 has been chosen as it alludes to June 28, LGTBI Pride Day, “so that it will be easier to remember”.

 

In addition, this service will also be offered via email 028-online@igualdad.gob.es and an online chat.

 

The development has been positively received by many across Spain as a great leap forward for protecting the rights of LGBTI people.

 

The 028 Arcoíris Service will provide information and comprehensive attention on LGTBI rights, 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. It is a nationwide, anonymous, free and confidential service, for which there will be a team of professionals with specialised training who will offer telephone users psychological and legal assistance.

 

Calls will also be accessible to people with hearing and/or speech disabilities, and will be answered in Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, English and French.

 

In Spain, sexual orientation and gender identity are the second most common cause of hate crime complaints, and according to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior, they have increased by almost 80% in just one year.

 

Image: Gobierno de España/Ministerio de Igualdad