Police arrest man in Barcelona in relation to violent death of 29-year-old woman

Mossos d'Esquadra police officers arrested a 34-year-old man this Sunday in Barcelona following the violent death of his partner, a 29-year-old woman, that took place in the early hours of the same morning.

Police were alerted to the incident in the Catalan capital's Turó de la Peira neighborhood in the Nou Barris district at around 1:30 am.

Upon arrival, the emergency responders were only able to confirm the woman's death.  

Although the Catalan High Court reported the couple had no known history of violence, Barcelona's Criminal Investigation Division has taken over the investigation and is treating it as a possible case of gender-based violence.

Catalan equality and feminism minister Tània Verge condemned the crime, stating she felt "immense sorrow for yet another murder of a woman due to gender-based violence in our country."  

"It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the femicide committed in Barcelona," the Catalan capital's mayor, Jaume Collboni, commented. "We must work to build a society where women are safe and respected."

A minute of silence will be observed at 12 pm on Monday at Plaça Sant Jaume square, in front of the Barcelona council headquarters.

Women and children who are victims of violence can contact Barcelona's Care, Recovery and Reception Service (SARA) located at Marie Curie, 16  by calling 93 291 59 10.

They can also contact the Catalan government's gender-based violence hotline at 900 900 120.

In the event of an emergency, they should call Barcelona's Center for Emergencies and Social Emergencies at 900 70 30 30 or the 112 emergency hotline, both of which provide 24-hour service.