One woman killed per week in Portugal during January 2025
In 2024, according to the Judiciary Police, there was a relationship between the victim and the perpetrator in 92.6% of homicide cases with completed investigations in Portugal.
At least five women were murdered by men in Portugal in January, with four of these killings occurring in the context of domestic violence.
This alarming statistic means that, on average, one woman was killed per week during the first month of the year.
According to news reports and statements from the Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ), the victims ranged in age from 17 to 72.
A String of Tragic Cases
The first reported homicide of the year took place on January 7 in Lisbon. An 80-year-old man killed his 72-year-old wife in their home, in what authorities described as a case of family dysfunction. The suspect was placed in pre-trial detention.
On January 9, another domestic violence incident occurred in Barreiro, where a 46-year-old woman was murdered by her husband in front of their children, aged six and fourteen. According to the PJ, one of the children even attempted to intervene in the attack. The suspect allegedly used a pair of scissors to kill his wife.
The number of known femicides rose last week following a double homicide in Sesimbra. On January 30, a 43-year-old man fatally stabbed his 45-year-old wife and her 17-year-old daughter. He then took his own life, leaving their 16-month-old baby as the only survivor.
On the same day, a 65-year-old cancer patient died at Braga Hospital after being assaulted by another patient days earlier. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the hospital has launched an urgent inquiry.
Another possible femicide was reported on January 31, when a woman believed to be between 30 and 40 years old was found dead in the Bairro de Francos neighborhood in Porto.
Her body showed signs of violence, and authorities suspect homicide, though no official confirmation has yet been made.
Rising Concerns Over Domestic Violence
In addition to these killings, the PJ also arrested a 39-year-old man in Santo Tirso on January 10 for attempted murder and aggravated domestic violence.
The suspect, who had recently started dating the 27-year-old victim, attacked her with a knife during an argument, causing injuries to her arms and neck.
According to data from the Women’s Alternative and Response Union (UMAR), at least 25 women were murdered in Portugal between January 1 and November 15 last year.
Of these, 20 were classified as femicides, meaning they were killed due to gender-based violence.
The rising number of domestic violence cases has prompted renewed calls for stronger protective measures and awareness campaigns to combat gender-based violence in Portugal.