Domestic violence in Portugal leaves over 1,000 minors orphaned

Domestic violence in Portugal has resulted in significant collateral damage to minors. Data from the Association of Relatives and Friends of Femicide Victims indicates that between 2004 and 2018, more than 1,000 minors became orphans due to crimes committed in a family context, averaging 71 per year.

In 2026, up to September 7, domestic violence has caused 28 deaths in the country, including 17 women, six children, and five men. These incidents have left at least 10 children orphaned this year alone. Recent tragic cases include an incident in Oeiras involving a family of Brazilian origin and a case in Albufeira involving a British couple.

Regarding financial support, the Social Security Institute (ISS) reported that since 2022, 928 victims of domestic violence have received the family restructuring subsidy. This benefit is intended to compensate for the temporary loss of income caused by the removal of an aggressor. The total amount associated with these subsidies reached approximately 180,000 euros. In the first half of 2026, 151 requests were approved, with projections suggesting a total of 259 by the end of the year.