A 30-year-old man was arrested for committing arson and domestic violence in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, in the Azores, as disclosed by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) on Friday, July 18, in a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto.
Investigators stated that the investigation began on July 3, when authorities were informed of a car fire, which “posed a serious risk of spreading to nearby residences.”
During the investigative proceedings, evidence was gathered, according to the PJ, indicating the involvement of the ex-partner of the vehicle’s usual driver, with whom she had recently ended a relationship.
The PJ highlighted that the fire did not have more drastic proportions “due to the swift intervention of those involved, neighbors, and the Ponta Delgada Volunteer Firefighters.”
Relationship marked by violence, insults, and death threats
In the same statement, the PJ revealed that the suspect and the victim had been dating for some time and even lived together. However, the relationship was always marked by violence.
“Repeatedly,” the inspectors assured, the suspect exercised psychological violence, including insults and death threats directed at the victim, a 29-year-old woman.
The detainee will now face an initial judicial questioning for the application of appropriate coercive measures.
Increase in complaints and arrests
Data from the Public Security Police (PSP) indicates an increase in arrests related to domestic violence crime and filed complaints in 2024 compared to 2023.
Last year alone, the PSP arrested 1,281 individuals for domestic violence crimes, representing a 32% increase from the previous year, and recorded 15,781 complaints, a 1.8% increase.
The PSP emphasizes the need for victims and witnesses to remain available to report domestic violence situations, stressing that “all reported situations are immediately subject to risk assessment, aiming for the swift adoption of security and protection measures for the victim that are deemed urgent for each specific case.”
The security force indicates that domestic violence reports can be made by anyone via email at “vi****************@*sp.pt” or in person at PSP stations.
Violent behaviors, whether physical, verbal, or psychological, constitute the crime of domestic violence.
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Domestic violence is a public crime, and reporting it is a collective responsibility. If you need help or are aware of a domestic violence situation, act:
- Through the Electronic Complaint Portal at queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt;
- By phone, calling 112;
- At the nearest GNR Post to your area of residence, keeping our contacts always at hand at www.gnr.pt/contactos.aspx;
- In the App MAI112, exclusively for deaf citizens, at http://www.112.pt/Paginas/Home.aspx;
- In the SMS Segurança app, directed to deaf people at www.gnr.pt/MVC_GNR/Home/SmsSeguranca.
- Via PSP email: vi****************@*sp.pt
