Madrid: A Spanish man who slapped his wife during a TikTok livestream was sentenced to one year in prison on Monday, despite the fact that the victim declined to file a police report.
A court in the northern city of Soria found the man guilty of violence against women and forbade him from coming within 300 metres (1,000 feet) of his wife, communicating with her, or acquiring a weapon for three years.
The sentence stems from an incident that occurred during a TikTok “battle” between the woman and three men on January 28. The “battle” was a real-time competition between streamers in which viewers determined the winner.
In images that went viral in Spain, the man is depicted slapping his wife in the face so violently that she turns her head and sobs.
The court ruled that the defendant publicly and openly assaulted his wife in front of thousands of people with the intent of undermining her physical integrity and humiliating her in public.
“In cases of gender-based violence, a victim’s complaint is not necessary. These should be punished as soon as it becomes apparent that they have occurred “the judge added.
“Broadcasting the slap live is sufficient for the authorities to step in and protect the victim, regardless of whether she recognises herself as such.”
The woman chose not to file charges against her husband and refused to testify against him at his trial.
However, the court noted that police had been called to the couple’s residence in the past due to “disputes between the accused and his wife” indicating “continued mistreatment”
Both right- and left-wing Spanish governments have prioritised the fight against domestic violence.
In 2004, the European Parliament passed the first law to specifically combat gender-based violence.
It established special courts, provided victims with free legal aid, and established a hotline that would not appear on phone bills.
