Secondary victimization and institutional violence at Family Meeting Points

Approaching the Servei Tècnic de Punt de Trobada through the narratives of users and professionals

Abstract

This article presents accounts from twelve individuals who have either worked with or utilized the “Servei Tècnic de Punt de Trobada” in Catalonia, aiming to investigate recurring patterns that may hinder or even prevent access to human rights for women, girls, boys, and adolescents. The “Punts de Trobada” (Family Meeting Points) are centers designed to facilitate visitation between children and non-custodial parents in conflict situations, aiming to support family relationships when coliving has been disrupted. However, mothers, children, and adolescents referred to these centers in contexts of gender-based violence have reported experiences of secondary victimization and institutional violence, indicating that the interventions at these centers often rely on biases, myths, and patriarchal and adult-centric stereotypes that lead to revictimization.

In light of this situation, users are calling for a thorough investigation into the operation of these centers to identify potential human rights violations, as the lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms makes it difficult to access clear information about their functioning. This research aims to support this demand by examining the service to highlight practices that generate secondary victimization and identify best practices and strategies of resistance. Overall, the goal is to reflect on institutional gender-based violence and analyze newly recognized forms of violence that also contribute to gender inequality.