A professional firefighter from Machico, filmed violently assaulting his partner in front of their child in the early hours of Sunday, was reportedly involved in an extramarital relationship with another woman, who was also a victim of his abuse. The assaults were frequent and known by many, as the suspect often shared these incidents, referring to them as “a man’s attitude.”
In private WhatsApp groups, friends of the suspect described the situation as “public and recurrent,” noting his habit of bragging about the incidents. Friends of the victim noted that the suspect threatened to take away their 9-year-old son, citing his higher income. Despite being widely known, the situation was never reported to authorities.
The suspect allegedly maintained an extramarital relationship for several years, also marked by abuse. The case came to light after a viral video on social media showed the violent assault of the 34-year-old woman early on Sunday morning.
The assault took place in front of the couple’s minor child and was captured by surveillance cameras at a residence in Água de Pena. Photos emerged of the victim receiving treatment at Machico Health Center before being transferred to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital for surgery. She is now recovering at relatives’ home, with the child under the care of close family.
Footage on social media, which Notícias ao Minuto chose not to share due to its violent nature, shows the suspect ringing the doorbell before entering the home amid the victim’s screams. He later exits, violently assaulting his partner as their child pleads for him to stop, saying, “Dad, please don’t hit,” as the victim sobs on the floor.
The Public Security Police (PSP) responded to the incident, identifying the suspect, and referred the case to the Public Prosecutor, as confirmed by a PSP source. The suspect, a municipal employee and professional firefighter with the Machico Municipal Fire Brigade, also works as a barber, confirmed by Machico Mayor Ricardo Franco.
Through social media, the Machico Municipal Fire Brigade expressed “deep consternation” over the news involving “a member of the corporation,” condemning the “completely reprehensible act.”
In statements to the Diário de Notícias da Madeira, the suspect expressed “deep regret,” stating, “I saw some messages and lost control. That’s what happened, and I apologize.” It has been confirmed by the regional secretary for Inclusion, Youth and Work, Paula Margarido, that the woman receives support from Social Security.
