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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse is taken seriously in Portugal, including in the municipality of Moita. Legal protection for children combines criminal law, family law and an administrative child protection system. When abuse is suspected, public authorities, local child protection commissions and law enforcement work to identify risk, protect the child and investigate possible criminal behaviour. The aim is to secure the child"s immediate safety, promote long-term wellbeing and hold perpetrators accountable where appropriate.
- To protect the child"s rights during criminal investigations and court proceedings.
- To represent a child, a parent or a third party in family law cases about custody, parental responsibilities, visitation and emergency protective measures.
- To advise and represent someone accused of abuse, safeguarding their rights and preparing a defence.
- To help navigate administrative processes with the local Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens - CPCJ - and social services.
- To apply for urgent protective orders, contested removal decisions or appeals of administrative measures.
- To pursue civil remedies such as compensation for physical, psychological or material harm.
- To ensure access to legal aid when you cannot afford private representation.
- Criminal framework: Portuguese criminal law criminalises physical abuse, sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment against minors. Serious cases lead to investigation by police and potential prosecution by the Ministério Público - Public Prosecutor.
- Family law: Issues of parental responsibilities, custody, guardianship and visitation are regulated by family law and dealt with by family courts when disputes affect a child"s safety or welfare.
- Child protection system: Each municipality has a Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens - CPCJ - responsible for receiving reports, assessing risk and proposing protective measures. The CPCJ can activate support measures, monitor the family or recommend judicial action.
- Mandatory reporting: Professionals who work with children - for example health, education and social services staff - have a duty to report suspected abuse to authorities and to the CPCJ. Any citizen may also make a report.
- Administrative and criminal interaction: A report can lead to administrative protection measures by the CPCJ and simultaneously to a criminal investigation by law enforcement and the Public Prosecutor, depending on facts and severity.
- Emergency powers and removal: If a child is in immediate danger, authorities may take emergency steps to protect the child, including temporary placement outside the family home, pending fuller assessment or court orders.
- Legal aid and victims" rights: People with limited resources may be eligible for apoio judiciário - state-supported legal aid. Victims have rights to information, protection and support during investigations and trials.
If a child is in immediate danger call emergency services - 112. Otherwise you can inform the local CPCJ, the police (PSP or GNR depending on location) or the Public Prosecutor. Health professionals and educators must report suspected abuse. Provide as much factual information as possible - names, dates, injuries and witnesses.
The CPCJ will normally open an assessment to determine risk and needs. Law enforcement may investigate possible criminal offences and the Public Prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. The CPCJ can propose protective measures or ask a court to order temporary removal if the child is at serious risk.
Yes. If authorities find a child is at immediate or serious risk, temporary placement outside the home can be arranged while longer-term solutions are sought. Emergency measures aim to prioritise the child"s safety and are followed by assessments and possible court decisions about longer-term arrangements.
No. Any person can report suspected abuse without a lawyer. However, a lawyer is helpful if you need legal protection, want to request urgent court measures, are the accused, or need guidance about interacting with CPCJ, police or court procedures.
Children may receive immediate protective measures, medical care, psychological support and confidentiality where possible. The court process includes safeguards for child witnesses, and the CPCJ coordinates social and support services to minimise further harm.
Contact a lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights. Avoid contact with the alleged victim if there are protection orders. Follow court or police instructions and do not delay responding to investigations. Your lawyer can advise on defence strategy and on how to request bail or contest protective measures.
There is no fixed timeframe. Emergency protective measures can be immediate, while administrative assessments and family law remedies may take weeks to months. Criminal investigations and prosecutions can take many months, depending on complexity, evidence and court schedules.
You can make anonymous reports to certain services, but anonymous reporting can limit the authorities" ability to investigate or follow up. If you want protection as a reporter, tell authorities and they can explain confidentiality and protection options available to you.
Yes. If you meet income and eligibility requirements you may apply for apoio judiciário - legal aid - which can cover lawyer fees and court costs in whole or in part. A lawyer or a local legal aid office can help you file the application.
Keep medical reports, photographs of injuries, written accounts, witness names and contact details, messages or emails, school reports and any records of previous contacts with social services. Do not alter evidence. Bring copies to the CPCJ, police and your lawyer.
- Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens - CPCJ da Moita - local child protection commission that receives reports and coordinates protection measures.
- Polícia de Segurança Pública - PSP and Guarda Nacional Republicana - GNR - local police forces that investigate crimes and respond to immediate risk.
- Ministério Público - Public Prosecutor - responsible for bringing criminal charges and supervising investigative steps.
- Segurança Social and social services - provide family support, emergency housing and follow-up care.
- Serviço Nacional de Saúde - health services provide medical and psychological care, and health professionals often report suspected abuse.
- Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima - APAV - a non-governmental organisation that provides support and information to victims of crime.
- Ordem dos Advogados - Portuguese Bar Association - where you can check a lawyer"s credentials and find local lawyers specialising in family, criminal and child protection law.
- Local municipal services in Moita - for social support, school contacts and community resources.
- If there is immediate danger, call emergency services - 112 - and make sure the child is safe.
- Seek medical care if the child has injuries or needs evaluation. Ask for written medical reports.
- Report the situation to the local CPCJ, the police or the Public Prosecutor. Be factual and provide any evidence you have.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in child protection, family law or criminal defence depending on your role in the case. Ask about legal aid if you have limited resources.
- Preserve evidence - keep records of injuries, messages, witnesses and any contacts with authorities.
- Request protective measures if the child"s safety is at risk - your lawyer or the CPCJ can advise on emergency removal or court orders.
- Arrange psychological and social support for the child and family members. Emotional recovery is an important part of legal protection.
- Keep clear communication with the CPCJ, social services and the police. Follow any directions from health or social professionals.
- If you are unsure where to start, contact a local lawyer or a victim support organisation for initial guidance and referral to the right local services.
