I am experiencing violence at home — where do I get help now?
You are not alone and there is a way out. Serviço de Informação a Vítimas de Violência Doméstica — 800 202 148 (800 202 148) is the confidential helpline for Portugal — free, day and night, for you or for someone you are worried about; they arrange shelter, legal help and a safety plan, and nothing happens without your consent. In immediate danger, Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNR (queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt) — the police can remove the violent person from the home and issue a barring order the same day in most EU countries. APAV — Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (116 006) supports you afterwards, free, with the report, the court and the practical side.
🗣️ What to say
"I am [being hurt / threatened] by my [partner / family member] at [address]. [I am in danger now / I am safe for the moment.] I would like to talk about my options — shelter, a protection order, and what happens if I report it."
🪜 Step by step
- Safe firstIf you can, go to a neighbour, a friend, a shop. Take your phone and ID if it is safe to.
- Call Serviço de Informação a Vítimas de Violência Doméstica — 800 202 148Anytime. They listen, they do not push, and they know every option in your area.
- Danger now: Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNRPolice can bar the violent person from the home for days or weeks without you having to leave.
- Evidence, when safePhotos of injuries, a doctor's note, dated messages, witnesses. Useful later; never a condition for help.
- Afterwards: APAV — Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à VítimaFree support through the report, protection orders, housing and money. You decide the pace.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Will they take my children away?
The aim of every service is to keep you and the children safe together. Talking to the helpline is not a report to child protection.
I have no income of my own
Shelters are free; emergency financial help and housing priority exist for victims. The helpline arranges it.
My residence permit depends on my partner
Victims of domestic violence have a separate right to stay in most EU countries. Ask the helpline for a specialised legal adviser — leaving does not mean deportation.
📎 Sources
- Serviço de Informação a Vítimas de Violência Doméstica — 800 202 148 →
- Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNR →
- APAV — Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima →
- Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos Advogados →
- Balcão do Arrendatário e do Senhorio (BAS) →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “domestic violence helpline Portugal”
- “help partner violence Portugal”
- “barring order abusive partner”
- “women shelter Portugal”
- “protection order domestic violence”
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