The government inaugurated a new victim support office in Seixal. It is the second area of the country where more cases of domestic violence have been recorded. The Minister of Justice calls for the change of behaviors and resembles the murder of Alcinda Cruz, the first victim of this year.
After the inauguration in Porto, late last week, it is Seixal’s turn to also have a victim support office. Last year, the Seixal section of the Department of Research and Criminal Action registered 2,370 cases. It is the second district of the country with more cases of domestic violence, right after Porto.
“We are in the district where Alcinda Cruz lived before he died violently at his home on a January night in front of his children. His death must weigh us in conscience. In fact, each death should not fail to grief in everyone’s conscience.” , says Minister of Justice.
And it is for these all that Rita Judice speaks, after recalling the first victim of the year.
“Each one has to do their part. We all have to change consciousness. There are often behaviors that are traditionally normalized (…) ideas like ‘between husband and wife does not get to reap’, or ‘if he treats you badly Jealousy ‘(…) This kind of speech is wrong, “says the minister.
Despite being a public crime for 25 years, there are still many cases that result in filing. The Attorney General, Amadeu Guerra, believes this is because “it is difficult” to prove cases of domestic violence.
There are now 12 victim support offices
In Seixal, the cabinet results from a partnership between the Government, Attorney General’s Office and UMR, and will advise victims to, for example, know their rights and be accompanied when declarations.
“The paths of justice can be long and difficult, but the victims don’t need to be alone,” says Rita Judice.
