In recent years, the fight against gender-based violence has seen the integration of technology into law enforcement and protection services. One significant example is Spain’s VioGén system. VioGén is a web-based application that plays a crucial role in monitoring, assisting, and protecting women, along with their children, who report gender violence. Developed by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, VioGén has become an essential tool in the country’s comprehensive strategy to address and reduce gender violence.
What is VioGén?
The VioGén system, formally known as the “Integral Monitoring System in Cases of Gender Violence,” was launched in 2007 as part of Spain’s commitment to safeguarding victims of gender violence. This system is grounded in Spanish Organic Law 1/2004, which emphasizes the need for robust measures to protect those affected by such violence. Since its inception, VioGén has conducted over 3 million risk evaluations and continues to monitor nearly 700,000 cases, with close to 70,000 requiring active police supervision.
How does VioGén work?
At its core, VioGén is an algorithm-driven system designed to assess the risk level associated with reported cases of gender violence. When a person reports an incident, the system utilizes a dual-protocol approach that involves two questionnaires: the Police Risk Assessment (VPR) and the Police Risk Evolution Assessment (VPER). These forms analyze 35 risk indicators across five domains, assigning a risk score that categorizes the threat as “unappreciated,” “low,” “medium,” “high,” or “extreme.”
While the algorithm primarily determines the risk level, police officers can raise the score if they believe the situation warrants heightened concern. However, they are not permitted to lower the risk score assigned by the system. This process ensures that officers cautiously conduct the initial assessment and prioritize the victim’s safety.
The Impact and Challenges of VioGén
VioGén’s widespread use has made it an integral part of Spain’s approach to handling domestic violence cases. However, its heavy reliance on algorithmic assessments has not been without criticism. Since its launch, there have been cases where the system miscalculated risk levels, resulting in tragic outcomes. Notably, since 2007, 247 women have been killed by their partners despite being assessed by the VioGén system. These incidents underscore the limitations of relying solely on algorithms without sufficient human oversight.
The challenges faced by victims during the assessment process also pose significant concerns. Many women struggle to provide complete and accurate information due to fear, shame, or trauma, which can lead to incorrect risk assessments. This challenge may compromise the level of protection they receive, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to data collection.
The Call for Human Oversight and Better Training
In light of the system’s flaws, there are growing calls for increased human oversight and improved training for those involved in the VioGén process. While police and judges often follow the system’s recommendations, ensuring accurate and fair assessments requires a careful balance between algorithmic efficiency and human judgment. Enhancing the role of human evaluators in the process could help mitigate the risks of miscalculation and provide a more tailored response to each case.
Broader Implications for Society
The functioning of VioGén has significant implications for society, particularly in how Spain delivers public services to vulnerable populations. The system’s lack of independent audits and transparency has raised concerns about its fairness and effectiveness. Critics argue that, without proper oversight, the system’s reliance on algorithmic decisions could lead to biases and errors that disproportionately affect those it aims to protect.
Conclusion
VioGén represents a significant advancement in the use of technology to combat gender violence, offering a structured and centralized approach to monitoring and protecting victims. However, its limitations highlight the need for a more balanced approach incorporating human judgment and algorithmic assessments. As Spain continues to refine its strategies for addressing gender violence, the lessons learned from VioGén will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future policies and practices aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Works Cited
Galdon-Clavell, G., Yalaz, E., & Lorente, T. (2022). VioGén External Audit 2 CONTENT. https://eticasfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ETICAS-FND-The-External-Audit-of-the-VioGen-System-1-1.pdfSatariano, A., & Pifarré, R. T. (2024, July 18).
An Algorithm Told Police She Was Safe. Then Her Husband Killed Her. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/18/technology/spain-domestic-violence-viogen-algorithm.html