The Judicial Police (PJ) have arrested a 49-year-old man posing as a physiotherapist for the crimes of rape and sexual harassment of a 24-year-old patient, as well as impersonating a professional role. The arrest occurred on Monday at a “health and wellness facility” in Oeiras.
The crimes took place between December of last year and April this year.
The victim, as stated in the PJ’s report, suffered from “joint/orthopedic problems” which led her to undergo “physiotherapy sessions.”
During these treatments, she was subjected to “sexual acts” which she could not prevent or even “offer any resistance” due to “tonic immobility.”
The young woman ultimately filed a complaint with the Public Security Police (PSP) in Oeiras, prompting the PJ to take over the investigation.
Following an investigation, the PJ executed a warrant on Monday, resulting in the arrest of the suspect, who continued to practice as a physiotherapist at the health facility “without the required qualifications.”
The man will now undergo his initial court hearing, where he will be informed of the preventive measures.
In Portugal, a legal qualification to practice as a physiotherapist requires a Higher Education certificate in the field and enrollment in the Order of Physiotherapists.
Currently, a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy takes four years to complete and includes curricular internships.
The course is available at both public and private universities, and a comprehensive list of institutions offering the Physiotherapy program is available online on the Order of Physiotherapists’ website.
