Cristina Soeiro considers that violence continues to be a structural phenomenon, especially domestic violence. He highlights the growing number of victims who turn to support services, data that reflects two realities: more crime and less fear of breaking the silence. The forensic psychologist with extensive experience in the Civil Police emphasizes that being a victim goes far beyond the moment of the crime, leaving persistent fear, consequences on mental health, impact on children and remembers that the judicial journey is often long, in a system that still fails to respond quickly, in coordination between entities and in effective protection. Regarding European Victims of Crime Day, which is celebrated this Sunday (February 22), he says it is a “barometer of our degree of civilization”. And therefore, it continues to make perfect sense.
When you look at the statistics now released by APAV, what is the most important idea that the public should retain?
The most important message is twofold: violence remains structural and, at the same time, more and more victims are reaching out to services. This is a sign of alarm, but also of growing confidence in the support network.
Is it a portrait of more victimization or more support seeking, or both?
Both things. There is a very high real volume of crime, especially domestic violence, and more people are breaking their silence and asking for help.
In 2026, what does “being a victim of crime” mean in practice beyond the moment of the crime?
Being a victim of crime today is not just the moment of the crime. It’s dealing with prolonged fear, impact on mental health, children, work and an often long and demanding judicial journey.
The increase in victims supported this year: what does this tell us about Portugal as a society?
The increase in victims supported shows that violence is a structural problem, but also that Portugal is a society where people are beginning to believe that it is worth asking for help. This is positive, but it forces stronger responses from the State.
Which factors matter most: complaints, trust in services, campaigns, or real worsening?
There are several factors at play: more reporting, greater confidence in effective services and campaigns, but also signs of real worsening in certain contexts, such as violence in the home and crimes in close relationships.
Who is reaching out most for support: are there changes by age, gender, region or social context?
We continue to support mainly women of working age, but we see more elderly people, more men and younger people arriving. Still, migrants, people in rural contexts, people with disabilities and those who are completely dependent on the aggressor remain largely under the radar.
What seems most worrying to you about evolution: frequency, severity, repetition, or escalation?
What worries most is repetition and escalation. Many victims live in violence for years, with increasingly serious episodes, before reaching a service like APAV.
Are there signs that people are seeking help sooner than they used to?
We have some signs of requests for help a little earlier, but still too late. Many people only seek support when they are already seriously afraid for their lives or their children.
If you had to explain the difference between “cases” and “people,” which misreading is most common when you look at this data?
A common confusion is thinking that ‘cases’ are the same as ‘people’. A victim may have several crimes associated over time; If we do not make this distinction, we underestimate the chronic nature of victimization.
Why does domestic violence continue to be the most prevalent crime?
Domestic violence is the most prevalent crime because it occurs in trusting relationships, is often invisible to the outside world and is still, in part, socially tolerated. It is a human rights problem, not a private conflict.
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