The rise in sexual assaults is changing the social mood in Madrid

The pace of Madrid, so defined by its busy streets and nightlife, has been disrupted by a statistic that has not gone unnoticed: sexual assaults have risen by 5.6% in the past year, according to the 2025 crime report. This increase, which far exceeds the national average, affects the sense of security and the way many people plan their journeys and nights out, especially at weekends.

The report, presented by Francisco Martín, the Government Delegate in the Comunidad de Madrid, states that in 2025 there were 3,149 sexual assaults recorded, of which 685 involved penetration. Although overall crime has dropped to historic lows since 2004, the rise in sexual offences stands out and is a cause for concern. The number of assaults without penetration grew by 6.3% in Madrid, while the increase across Spain was much smaller.

Martín emphasised the seriousness of these figures and urged Madrid society not to let its guard down. He insisted that gender-based violence is still present and that eradicating it requires commitment from everyone, from institutions to local communities. The delegate also remembered recent victims, putting names and faces to a reality that affects families and those close to them.

At the press conference, Martín highlighted that the increase in immigration has not led to a rise in crime, but quite the opposite. Conventional crime is falling, but offences against sexual freedom are rising, which means it is necessary to look closely at how and where they occur. Approximately 30% of assaults involving penetration take place within the family or with people known to the victim, a figure that changes the usual perception of these crimes.

The central government has opened the door to working with the Comunidad de Madrid to seek joint solutions. Contacts have begun with unions, business owners and the nightlife sector to improve safety and make it easier for victims to report assaults. The aim is for the city to regain confidence in its public and private spaces.

The evolution of crime in Madrid has always been linked to the city’s social and demographic changes. From the expansion of new neighbourhoods to the transformation of leisure areas, the capital has adapted to various challenges. However, the rise in sexual offences means strategies must be reconsidered and cooperation strengthened between administrations, neighbourhood associations and social agents. Madrid is already beginning to move in that direction.