Intimate Partner Violence in Portugal

Abstract

This chapter presents the main characteristics of intimate partner violence perpetrated in Portugal, discussing policy, legal, and academic advances in the last three decades. Although relevant steps have been taken concerning victims' rights, with children and women benefiting from policies, legislation, mechanisms, and resources, domestic violence and partner homicide rates are still high, suggesting that measures and strategies to prevent and combat this have not been effective. Future directions are discussed regarding cultural, social, and scientific issues.