MADRID (Reuters) -Spain’s government on Tuesday proposed a new law on gender-based violence making it a separate crime when an abuser hurts someone close to their victim — like a child, parent or pet — in order to cause the victim more pain.

A draft bill seeks to codify so-called “vicarious”, or indirect, gender-based violence committed to intimidate, control, punish or extract revenge. Mexico passed similar legislation at the federal level in late 2023.

Spain’s centre-left government has made women’s rights a priority, tightening laws on sexual consent and gender violence, expanding protections and funding for victims and pressing businesses to close pay gaps and boost female leadership.

“These measures aim to … once again put Spain at the forefront of policies promoting real equality,

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