Forgotten Victims: Valencia's 'Protection' Institution Revealed

Valencia's Hidden History: The Patronat de Protecció a la Dona In Valencia, Spain, a little-known institution called the Patronat de Protecció a la Dona (Patronage for the Protection of Women) operated from 1941 to 1985. Founded with the stated goal of preventing women's exploitation, it instead became a tool for controlling and punishing women who defied societal norms. A recent documentary by À Punt Mèdia brings to light the experiences of survivors. "El Patronat de Protecció a la Dona volia anul·lar-nos la personalitat i llavar-nos el cervell," states Consuelo García del Cid, a survivor and researcher featured in the film. (Translation: "The Patronat de Protecció a la Dona wanted to annul our personality and brainwash us.") The documentary reveals the harsh conditions women faced, including forced medication, isolation, and the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church in enforcing traditional morality. Another survivor, Carmen Monzonís, describes the use of electroshock therapy as a method of 'correcting' women's behavior. The film underscores the lasting trauma inflicted upon these women and calls for a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in Valencian history. The documentary's release has sparked renewed interest in the Patronat and its legacy, highlighting the need for continued dialogue about women's rights and societal control.