According to the GNR, which will be launching awareness-raising initiatives next week as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, between 1 January and 15 November, 1,380 suspects were arrested (349 in flagrante delicto and 1,031 not in flagrante delicto) and 864 weapons were seized.
The districts of Porto, Aveiro and Lisbon have the highest number of reports, while Portalegre and Bragança have the lowest. In 2024, the GNR recorded 11,876 crimes of domestic violence, with the districts of Porto, Aveiro, Braga, Setúbal and Lisbon again accounting for the highest number of incidents, while Portalegre and Bragança continued to have the lowest figures.
That year, there were 13 deaths, 12 women and one man, which has led to a strengthening of awareness-raising actions aimed at preventing violent behaviour against women throughout the country. In connection with these crimes, 1,450 suspects were arrested (373 in flagrante delicto and 1,077 not in flagrante delicto) and 1,222 weapons were seized.
The statement recalls that in 1999, the United Nations officially established 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to raise awareness of a reality that continues to affect millions of women around the world.
‘The GNR has been strengthening awareness campaigns and investing in specific training for its staff, ensuring an increasingly qualified response in the participation, framing, treatment and monitoring of situations of domestic violence,’ the corporation said in the statement.
At the same time, it added, its priority is to improve the network of victim assistance rooms and strengthen coordination with partner entities.
Currently, the Specific Victim Investigation and Support Centres (NIAVE) comprises 186 specialised personnel nationwide and, as of 15 November 2025, had recorded 4,056 enquiries, of which 3,956 had already been concluded (around 97.5%).
‘Domestic violence is a public crime, subject to mandatory reporting and collective responsibility. Its prevention, investigation and combating are priorities of current criminal policy and are an absolute priority for the National Republican Guard, which remains firmly committed to protecting victims and promoting a safer society,’ stresses the GNR.
The police force emphasises that anyone who needs help or is aware of a situation of domestic violence should report it via the Electronic Complaints Portal (queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt), by telephone via the European emergency number (112), at the GNR station closest to their area of residence or at www.gnr.pt/contactos.aspex.
Reports can also be made using the MAI112 app, available exclusively to deaf citizens at www.112.pt/Paginas/Home.aspx, or via the SMS Segurança app, aimed at deaf people, at www.gnr.pt/MVC_GNR/Home/SmsSeguranca.
