Fundação LAPS opens domestic violence shelter in Cascais

The Fundação LAPS, in partnership with the Cascais municipality, has inaugurated Casa Laps, a specialized shelter designed to support victims of domestic violence and their children. The project involved an investment of approximately 900,000 euros to reconstruct a house provided by the local government. The facility features nine suites, including one for monitors, and is equipped with innovative security systems to ensure privacy and dignity for the residents.

To facilitate recovery and a sense of normalcy, the shelter includes amenities such as a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and play areas for children. Joana Lemos, vice-president of Fundação LAPS, emphasized that the goal is to provide conditions for women to rebuild their lives rather than simply serving as a temporary storage space. She also noted that domestic violence affects all social classes, challenging the stigma that it is exclusively a problem for lower-income groups.

Margarida Pereira da Silva, a prosecutor from the Cascais Family and Minors Court, highlighted the necessity of multidisciplinary support. She noted that without comprehensive accompaniment—ranging from legal assistance to emotional support—victims often withdraw complaints due to fear, social shame, or the psychological impact of the abuse. The prosecutor warned that the lack of security during the legal process often leads victims to return to their aggressors, which can result in further violence or death.