VIGO, Spain — A trial has concluded at the Court of Violence against Women in Vigo, Pontevedra, where a defense attorney is facing legal consequences after admitting to masturbating during a video call with a client who was a victim of gender-based violence. The disturbing incident, which took place in early 2026, left the victim profoundly traumatized and has prompted calls for a restraining order.
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The hearing was held recently in the provincial capital, though the accused attorney did not appear in person. Instead, he submitted a written statement to the court formally acknowledging his actions. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is requesting a fine of 720 euros under Article 173.4 of the Spanish Penal Code, which penalizes sexual behaviors or propositions that create an objectively humiliating, hostile, or intimidating environment for the victim.
According to the proceedings, the incident occurred on January 13, 2026. The attorney, who was assigned to the victim through the legal aid system, initiated a video call from his vehicle. During the call, the victim noticed the mobile device moving erratically. Upon closer observation, she realized the lawyer was naked from the waist down and engaging in sexual acts. Despite her initial shock and disbelief, she managed to capture screenshots of the incident while hearing audible sounds of arousal from the attorney.
The victim testified before the judge about the severe psychological impact of the ordeal. She described experiencing a state of profound vulnerability and humiliation, which subsequently led to severe nightmares involving her daughter and required medical professionals to increase her prescribed sleep medication.
‼️El abogado de una víctima de #ViolenciaDeGénero se masturbó durante una videollamada con ella, que hizo pantallazos y lo denunció
— Macarena Baena Garrido (@macarena_baena) July 2, 2026
Tiene antecedentes por exhibicionismo ante una menor
Dice el juez que es delito leve y no incluye agravante por reincidenciahttps://t.co/GPy8thfSst
Following the incident, the victim filed a formal complaint with the Vigo Bar Association. During her meeting with the association’s administration, it was revealed that the attorney already possessed a prior criminal record for exhibitionism involving a minor. Although the private prosecution requested the introduction of his full criminal history during the trial, the presiding judge clarified that because the current charge is classified as a minor offense, the legal aggravating factor of recidivism does not apply under the penal code.
The attorney has already faced significant professional sanctions, having accepted a two-year suspension from the Bar Association. In his written submission to the court, he confirmed that he has closed his practice and permanently left the legal profession after thirteen years, acknowledging his failure to meet professional and ethical standards. The prosecution deemed the victim’s testimony highly credible and consistent with the attorney’s admission of guilt. Furthermore, the private prosecution has requested a protective measure mandating that the former lawyer remain at least 500 meters away from the victim. The case has now been concluded and is awaiting a final sentencing.
As the judicial process moves toward a final ruling, the local legal community and authorities are reviewing the protocols for assigning legal aid attorneys to vulnerable victims to ensure stricter oversight and protection.
