Sexual violence victims in Portugal continue to face a second trial in court, where their own conduct is questioned. An analysis of rulings by CNN Portugal reveals that women were questioned about how they reacted to the aggression, their personal life and even their mental health.
The phenomenon involves legal experts and researchers who warn of a judicial culture that continues to devalue the victims' word. They are frequently seen as suspects of having contributed to the violence against them, instead of being recognized as people who suffered a crime.
The analyzed rulings show a pattern of scrutiny of victims that goes beyond the usual questioning about the facts. The investigation focuses on finding explanations for the violence within the victim's own behavior, instead of focusing on the aggressor's conduct.
Experts warn that this approach in courts perpetuates the impunity of aggressors and distances victims from access to justice, contributing to a cycle of underreporting and revictimization.
