The shelters for domestic violence victims house more children than women, a report on the situation of gender-based violence in Portugal revealed. This data contrasts with the usual perception that it is mainly adult women who are the victims seeking these protection spaces.
According to the report, in 2026 there were 11 deaths of women, one child, and one man in domestic violence-related contexts. These numbers represent fatal victims of violence situations in the family context and close relationships.
The data alerts to the vulnerability of children in this context, who can be both direct victims of violence and witnesses to it. The existence of more children than women in shelters suggests that dependent minors are frequently dragged into violence situations that mainly affect their mothers or caregivers.
The report highlights the need for specialized responses that meet the specific needs of the children accommodated, from psychological support to educational and social support, at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives.
