In Portugal, after a quarter of a century of being outlawed, domestic violence persists as a disturbing issue
Rising Domestic Violence Cases in Portugal Spur Calls for Change
Domestic violence cases in Portugal have seen a significant increase in recent years, with 1,281 arrests for domestic violence in 2024—a 32% rise over the previous year—and 15,781 related complaints registered by the police. This trend is concerning, particularly as it includes a rise in domestic violence against men, with older men (over 65) comprising 25% of male victims.
Current Laws and Protective Measures
Portuguese law criminalizes domestic violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. The police have the power to arrest suspects on suspicion, especially "in flagrante delicto" (caught in the act), as evidenced by 625 such arrests in 2024. Protection orders, similar to restraining orders, are issued to safeguard victims.
A Growing Problem
The number of victims contacting the Portuguese Anti-Violence Association (APAV) has increased by 17% this year, with over 11,000 cases reported in the first six months alone. This number represents a significant increase from the same period in 2024. Out of the 14 people who died this year due to domestic violence, 12 were women.
The Need for Change
Experts advocate for stronger protective measures in light of the rising trend. These measures include enhanced legal protections and swifter judicial responses, specialized training for police, social workers, and the judiciary to handle domestic violence sensitively and effectively, expanded victim support services for all genders, including shelter and psychological aid, preventive programs targeting perpetrators, and greater data collection and public awareness campaigns to better understand and combat domestic abuse.
Looking Ahead
Despite the documented rise in cases and arrests, no specific new legislation has been definitively enacted yet as of mid-2025. However, the issue has been pushed onto the Portuguese policy agenda, reflecting a strong need for both legal reinforcement and socio-economic support for victims. The Council of Europe has advocated for the reinforcement of victim protection in Portugal, and the Portuguese government has been urged to focus on strengthening protective measures for victims of domestic violence based on the warnings from APAV.
In summary, Portugal is experiencing a rising trend in domestic violence cases, pressing for stronger legal protections, more comprehensive victim support, and systemic preventive strategies to address this worsening social problem.
- Science and Health-and-Wellness: Experts are calling for enhanced legal protections and swifter judicial responses to combat the rising trend of domestic violence, emphasizing the need for specialized training for professionals in social work, the judiciary, and law enforcement to handle such cases sensitively and effectively.
- Women's Health: Out of the 14 people who died this year due to domestic violence, a concerning 12 were women, highlighting the urgent need for robust protective measures and victim support services for women in Portugal.
- General-News and Crime-and-Justice: Despite an increase in arrests for domestic violence in Portugal, no specific new legislation has been enacted as of mid-2025, and the issue remains a pressing concern on the Portuguese policy agenda, reflecting the much-needed legal reinforcement and socio-economic support to address the worsening social problem.
