37-year-old woman killed in Olot is fifth femicide in Catalonia this year

The Catalan police, Mossos d'Esquadra, confirmed a new case of gender-based violence with the murder of a 37-year-old woman in Olot, northern Catalonia, on Thursday.

The alleged perpetrator, a 56-year-old man believed to be the victim's partner, also died. There had been no previous reports of abuse.

Police received a report Thursday afternoon of a man and a woman injured with a sharp weapon at a residence in Olot.

Upon arrival, they found the woman dead with signs of violence and the man injured. He later died in hospital.

This is the fifth femicide in Catalonia since January.

Catalan and Spanish ministers condemn murder

The Catalan and Spanish equality ministers met in Barcelona on Friday and condemned the woman's murder.

"This issue concerns us all," Spanish minister Ana Redondo said. "We must be united in the fight against gender-based violence."

Tània Verge, Catalonia's equality and feminism minister said that gender-based violence was the primary public safety problem in the country.

She asked Redondo for judges to receive more training on gender issues. 

Women experiencing violence can contact the support service on the free and confidential number 900 900 120 or call the emergency number 112.