Portugal's domestic violence crisis hits record deaths in 2025 despite stricter laws
Domestic violence remains Portugal's deadliest and most reported crime, according to the latest official figures. In 2025, authorities recorded 29,778 incidents, with 25 victims losing their lives—21 women, two children, and two men. This marks the highest death toll since 2022.
Convictions for domestic violence have steadily risen over the past five years. In 2021, courts handed down around 1,200 to 1,300 sentences annually. By 2025, that number climbed to between 1,500 and 1,600, reflecting both increased reporting and stricter law enforcement.
At the end of 2025, over 1,300 restraining orders were active, aimed at keeping abusers away from their victims. Meanwhile, 1,560 offenders were serving prison sentences for domestic violence-related crimes. Support services also saw high demand, with nearly 1,350 people receiving help from the National Victim Support Network in the final quarter of the year.
The data highlights a persistent challenge in combating domestic violence in Portugal. While convictions and protective measures have increased, the number of incidents and fatalities remains a critical concern for law enforcement and support organisations.
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