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Domestic violence often happens behind a door everyone knows: the neighbour next door, the flat upstairs or the building across the street. In a condominium, shared walls, stairs and lifts mean neighbours are sometimes the first to hear or see warning signs. Knowing what to do at that moment can protect a victim. In this guide on domestic violence in a condominium in Portugal we explain how to recognise the signs, how to report without putting yourself at risk, which helplines to use and what the condominium administrator can do.
In short
- If an assault is happening, call 112. Do not intervene physically.
- Domestic violence is a public crime in Portugal: anyone who knows of the facts can report it, without the victim having to file a complaint.
- Reports can be made to the PSP, GNR or Polícia Judiciária, the Public Prosecutor’s Office or through the online complaints service.
- For information and support: 800 202 148 or SMS 3060 (CIG service, 24 hours a day), 144 (National Social Emergency Line) and 116 006 (APAV).
- Write down dates, times and what you heard or saw, and give that information only to the authorities.
A public crime
The first point to remember is that nobody needs to wait for the victim to file a complaint. The Portuguese government portal says so clearly:
«A violência doméstica é um crime público, o que significa que pode ser denunciado por qualquer pessoa que tenha conhecimento dos factos.» — gov.pt, Reporting domestic violence
In plain English: domestic violence is a public crime, which means anyone who knows of the facts can report it.
After a report, the authorities can open an investigation even if the victim does not want to, or cannot, file a complaint. For those living next door, this confirms that speaking up is worthwhile. You do not need to be absolutely sure a crime is taking place: you only need to report what you know, and the investigation is for the authorities.
What the law treats as domestic violence
The crime is set out in article 152 of the Portuguese Criminal Code. The definition is broad and is not limited to physical assault:
«1 – Quem, de modo reiterado ou não, infligir maus tratos físicos ou psíquicos, incluindo castigos corporais, privações da liberdade, ofensas sexuais ou impedir o acesso ou fruição aos recursos económicos e patrimoniais próprios ou comuns:» — Criminal Code, article 152(1)
In plain English: anyone who, repeatedly or not, inflicts physical or psychological abuse, including corporal punishment, deprivation of liberty or sexual offences, or prevents access to their own or shared financial resources.
The article then lists the victims covered, including a spouse or former spouse, a person with whom the aggressor has or had a dating or similar relationship, even without living together, particularly vulnerable people living with the aggressor, and children. Note the words “repeatedly or not”: a single episode can be enough.
Signs a neighbour may notice
No single sign proves there is violence, but some deserve attention:
- shouting, cries for help, blows or things being broken, especially repeatedly;
- frequent threats or insults heard through the walls or on the stairs;
- someone who appears with injuries or seems afraid to go home;
- someone who has stopped going out or talking to neighbours, or is always accompanied;
- children who are very frightened or withdrawn, or who mention what happens at home;
- an older or dependent person who seems neglected or mistreated.
Violence can also be psychological or financial, or exercised by controlling someone’s phone and social media. Often, neighbours only see part of it.
How to act, situation by situation
| Situation | What to do | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| Assault or threat happening now | Call immediately, without intervening physically | 112 |
| Repeated episodes, not urgent | Keep a record and report | PSP or GNR, Public Prosecutor or online complaint |
| Unsure what to do | Ask for information, anonymously and confidentially | 800 202 148 or SMS 3060 |
| The victim asks a neighbour for help | Listen, do not judge, give the helplines | APAV 116 006 or 800 202 148 |
| Children or older people at risk | Tell the authorities | 112, PSP or GNR; 144 for urgent social support |
Where and how to report
Reports can be made in person, by phone or online. You can go to any PSP station or GNR post, the Polícia Judiciária or the Public Prosecutor’s Office. There is also the Ministry of Internal Administration’s online complaints service, with a dedicated area for domestic violence. The government portal summarises the options in its service on reporting domestic violence. These services operate mainly in Portuguese.
If you have doubts before going ahead, the information service for victims of domestic violence offers free, anonymous and confidential information and support. The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) states on its website that the 800 202 148 line and SMS 3060 are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Official helplines
Checked on the official websites on 26 October 2026:
- 112: the European emergency number, free and available 24 hours a day, according to the gov.pt list of useful lines. Use it whenever an assault or threat is happening.
- 800 202 148 and SMS 3060: the CIG’s information service for victims of domestic violence. Free, 24 hours a day, every day.
- 144: the Social Security National Social Emergency Line, available 24 hours a day, every day, according to gov.pt. For situations needing an immediate social response, such as a victim who needs urgent shelter. It does not replace 112.
- 116 006: the APAV line for victims of crime, their families and friends. Free, on working days, from 8 am to 11 pm.
Your safety first
Helping does not mean putting yourself in danger. Follow a few simple rules:
- Do not intervene physically in a violent situation. Call 112.
- Do not confront the aggressor, on the stairs or by message.
- Be discreet when contacting the authorities, so as not to alert the aggressor.
- Do not share what you heard in the building’s messaging groups. It can expose the victim.
- Agree with a trusted neighbour to stay alert too, if it is safe.
What to record
Simple notes help the authorities see whether there is a pattern. Write down the date, time, duration and what you heard or saw, without adding interpretations. If there are camera images of the common parts, do not copy or share them: tell the authorities they exist, so they can be requested through the proper channels. The CNPD, Portugal’s data protection authority, explains the rules on recordings and video surveillance. Give everything only to those investigating.
What if the victim asks you for help?
If the victim talks to you, listen without judging or pressuring. Tell them they are not alone and that free, confidential support exists. Give them the helpline numbers and, if they want, help them call. Respect their pace, but remember that in immediate danger you should always call 112.
The condominium administrator's role
The administrator does not investigate crimes or replace the authorities. They can, however, help in several ways:
- display emergency and helpline numbers in the common parts;
- pass on to the authorities any report they receive;
- keep video surveillance images of the common parts, where they exist and the authorities request them;
- treat any information about residents with discretion.
Everyday neighbour issues, such as noise, have other routes, which we explain in our articles on settling disputes with neighbours and types of noise in condominiums. Cries for help or the sound of an assault are not a noise problem: they are a case for 112.
How Condoroo helps
Condoroo manages more than 600 condominiums, with a team of more than 20 professionals. As administrator, our role is the one described above: to point residents to the official channels, cooperate with the authorities when asked and treat any information with discretion. For the rules on life in the common parts, see our guide to condominium regulations.
Staying silent can leave someone without help. One call can make the difference.
Domestic violence in a condominium: frequently asked questions
Can I report domestic violence if I am not the victim?
Yes. Domestic violence is a public crime in Portugal and can be reported by anyone who knows of the facts.
Does the victim have to file a complaint for there to be an investigation?
No. Once the crime is reported or known, the authorities can act and open an investigation.
Where can I report it?
To the PSP, the GNR, the Polícia Judiciária, the Public Prosecutor’s Office or through the online complaints service. In an emergency, call 112.
Is there a line where I can ask for information without giving my name?
Yes. The CIG’s information service for victims of domestic violence answers on 800 202 148 and by SMS on 3060, 24 hours a day, free, anonymously and confidentially.
Should I intervene if I hear an assault?
Do not intervene physically. Call 112 and, if it is safe, note what you heard.
Can the condominium administrator help?
They can pass reports to the authorities, display helpline numbers and keep images of the common parts when the authorities request them. They do not replace the police.
This article is for information only and does not replace the support of the authorities or legal advice. Official sources checked on 26 October 2026.
