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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Alfena is treated under Portuguese national law and responded to by local institutions - police, public prosecutors, courts and social services - that serve the Valongo municipality and the Porto district. The law recognises a wide range of conduct as domestic violence, including physical assault, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, economic control and coercive behaviours within intimate or family relationships. Victims have access to criminal prosecution, civil remedies and protective measures designed to reduce risk and secure immediate safety. Local responses combine law-enforcement action, judicial orders and social support such as shelters, victim support services and child protection when minors are affected.
Domestic violence cases often involve overlapping criminal, civil and family-law issues. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- You need to file or respond to a criminal complaint and want legal representation during police interviews, prosecution or trial.
- You require protective measures - for example orders limiting contact, requiring removal of the alleged aggressor from the home or emergency restraining measures.
- You are seeking separation, divorce or urgent decisions about child custody, visitation and maintenance where safety is a concern.
- You need help collecting and preserving evidence - medical reports, photographs, messages, witness statements - and presenting it effectively to police or court.
- You require assistance with civil claims related to threats, harassment or compensation for harm.
- You are applying for legal aid or need advice on accessing local support services and shelters.
A lawyer can explain your legal options, prepare court applications, represent you at hearings, negotiate with the other side or the prosecutor, and help create a safety-focused legal strategy.
Key aspects of Portuguese law that are particularly relevant to domestic violence cases in Alfena include:
- Criminalisation of domestic violence - Acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse can constitute criminal offences under the Penal Code. The Public Prosecutor - Ministério Público - can bring charges even if the victim does not wish to press charges.
- Protective measures and emergency orders - Courts may impose measures such as prohibiting contact, forbidding the aggressor from approaching or communicating with the victim, and ordering the temporary removal of the aggressor from the shared home. Police and prosecutors can request urgent measures when there is immediate risk.
- Family law remedies - In cases of separation or divorce, family courts consider victim safety when deciding custody, visitation, temporary residence orders and financial support. Courts can impose supervised contact or restrict access to children if there is risk.
- Civil remedies and compensation - Victims can pursue civil claims for damages and requests for injunctions to prevent harassment or threats.
- Child protection - Where children are involved, Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ) and family courts intervene to safeguard the welfare of minors. Child protection proceedings may run alongside criminal proceedings.
- Victim support and procedural guarantees - Victims are entitled to information about their rights, legal support, translation or interpretation if needed, and measures to protect privacy and dignity during proceedings. Legal aid - assistência judiciária - may be available depending on financial circumstances.
Domestic violence includes physical assault, threats, psychological abuse, sexual violence, repeated harassment, controlling behaviour that isolates or economically deprives a person, and any conduct that causes fear or harm in a family or intimate relationship. Abuse can be one-off or repeated, and can occur between current or former partners, household members and close family.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency police service. For non-emergencies you can report incidents at the nearest police station, where officers will take a statement and advise on immediate protection. You can also go to a health facility for treatment and documentation of injuries, and to obtain a medical report that can be used as evidence.
Police may arrest if there is an immediate risk, visible injuries, or strong indications of a crime. Even if there is no immediate arrest, police will record the complaint and forward it to the Public Prosecutor, who decides whether to open an investigation and bring charges. The response depends on the facts, available evidence and urgency.
Yes. Courts can issue protective measures such as orders prohibiting the aggressor from approaching or contacting you, and can require them to leave the shared home temporarily. Police and prosecutors can ask courts for urgent measures when necessary. A lawyer or victim support service can assist with the court application.
Keep any relevant evidence - photographs of injuries and damaged property, text messages, emails, social-media messages, call logs, witness names and statements, a diary of incidents with dates and times, medical reports and any official documents. Preserve electronic evidence by saving screenshots and backing up files. Avoid confronting the alleged aggressor to collect evidence if doing so would raise safety risks.
There is a legal-aid system - assistência judiciária - for people who meet income and asset thresholds. Local Bar Association offices or legal-aid services can explain eligibility and help with applications. Victim support organisations often provide initial legal information and can refer you to lawyers experienced in domestic violence cases.
When children are affected, child-protection authorities and courts prioritise their safety. Measures can include removing a child from a dangerous environment, supervised visitation, temporary custody orders and intervention by Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ). These steps can be taken independently of, or in parallel with, criminal proceedings.
Yes. A court may order the temporary removal of the alleged aggressor from the home or restrict their right to enter or live in the property. This is a common emergency measure to protect victims while the case proceeds. Such orders are typically time-limited and can be renewed or adapted by the court.
Duration varies depending on the type of measure and the circumstances. Some emergency measures are temporary and remain in place until a court hearing. Courts can extend or modify measures based on ongoing risk assessments. Your lawyer can request extensions or changes if your situation requires continued protection.
If you are accused, seek legal advice immediately. Criminal charges can follow a police report or prosecutor investigation. You have the right to legal representation and to present evidence in your defence. Family-law consequences may also arise, such as restrictions on contact with children or temporary removal from the home. A lawyer experienced in domestic and criminal law can help protect your rights and present your case.
Local and national organisations and bodies that can help include - police forces serving your area, the Public Prosecutor - Ministério Público, victim support organisations in Portugal that offer information and assistance, municipal social services in Valongo, family and child-protection commissions - CPCJ, and health services for medical care and documentation of injuries. The national Bar Association and local Bar offices provide information about lawyers and legal-aid procedures. Courts often have victim-support units and specialised services to help victims navigate criminal and family proceedings.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger call the emergency police service straight away. If not in immediate danger but concerned, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention for injuries and request a medical report - this is important evidence.
- Contact the local police station to file a report and ask about urgent protective measures.
- Reach out to a victim support organisation or municipal social services for safety planning, shelter options and emotional support.
- Consult a lawyer with experience in domestic violence, criminal and family law - ask about legal aid if you have limited means.
- Preserve evidence safely - photographs, messages, medical records and witness details - and keep a secure record of incidents.
- If children are involved contact child-protection services so they can assess risk and advise on immediate protections.
Legal processes can be stressful and complex - prioritise your safety, use local support services, and get legal advice early so you understand your rights and options in Alfena and the wider Valongo/Porto area.
