Crime in Spain differs from the US, especially for women

Moving from the U.S. to Spain, the author notices feeling generally safer with a decreased fear of crime. Despite an uptick in criminal activity in Spain between 2022 and 2023, the overall atmosphere of safety is different from what she experienced in American cities. To further explore this shift in safety perception, the author reaches out to American women living in Spain to gather their experiences and feelings towards safety in their new country.

In interviews with American women in Spain, the consensus is that crime in Spain is more of an annoyance than a threat to personal safety. Gun violence is a common concern in the U.S., while in Spain, the main worry revolves around the risk of being robbed. The overall feeling is that while theft is common in Spain, it doesn’t instill the same fear for physical harm as in the U.S. Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid have their own nuances when it comes to safety precautions, such as avoiding wearing expensive items and being cautious of pickpockets.

Despite Spain ranking 31st on the Global Peace Index, recent statistics show an increase in certain crimes, particularly crimes against sexual freedom. However, compared to the United States, Spain still fares better in terms of overall crime rates and violence. While theft is a common crime in Spain, the country has a lower rate of violent crimes, such as homicides. Different regions in Spain also have varying crime rates, with some areas experiencing lower levels of criminal activity.

Pickpocketing is a common concern in Spain, with theft being a prevalent crime. In comparison to the U.S., where violent crimes are a major concern, theft in Spain may feel like a minor inconvenience. The distinct laws in Spain differentiate between theft and robbery, with varying penalties for different types of crimes. While theft is not ideal, the trade-off of focusing on property security over personal security is noted as a positive aspect of living in Spain for the author and other American women.

While Spain is generally safer for women compared to the U.S., there are still ongoing concerns about sexual abuse, harassment, and domestic violence in some cities like Málaga and Barcelona. The author notes the difference in cultural attitudes towards women’s safety between the two countries. While Spain has taken steps to address gender violence and increase protections for women, the U.S. continues to face challenges in women’s rights. Despite feeling a sense of safety in Spain, American women in the country still take precautions to ensure their personal security, reflecting a collective experience of navigating safety concerns in a new cultural context.