A violent assault on a woman by a firefighter from Machico, Madeira, in front of her nine-year-old son, shocked the nation on Sunday morning.
The beating was captured by surveillance cameras and circulated on social media. The footage, deemed too disturbing by Notícias ao Minuto to publish, depicts the horrifying event.
The 35-year-old man is seen approaching a house and ringing the doorbell, marking the start of the ordeal, as screams from a woman and a child are heard.
Outside the residence, the assailant, with the 34-year-old victim on the ground, is confronted by their son who pleads, “Dad, don’t hit, please,” acting as a shield amid the assault, while his mother sobs on the ground.
Once the man leaves, the child urges his mother to stand, attempting to help her as she tearfully responds, “I can’t.”
The attack occurred in the home of a relative of the victim, who had opened the door thinking the family member had returned for something forgotten, only to be brutally beaten by her husband, unaware of the cameras.
The Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) was called to the scene and identified the suspect, with the case now referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as confirmed by a security source to Notícias ao Minuto.
The firefighter, also reported to be a barber, was detained two days later, on Tuesday, a day after the video went public.
The suspect awaits judicial interrogation in PSP detention, expected within 48 hours, with a court appearance anticipated today, Wednesday, August 27.
The nation awaits further developments regarding potential bail conditions and whether the potentially unlicensed surveillance footage will serve as evidence in the case. Some answers may emerge today.
Woman Disfigured and Hospitalized
The victim, according to CNN Portugal, was left disfigured and hospitalized, undergoing an initial surgery.
She has since been discharged and is recuperating at a relative’s home, awaiting a second surgical procedure. The child is under close family care.
Crime Was “Public and Recurring”
The suspect’s violent behavior was widely known as he reportedly shared such actions within groups, describing them as “a manly attitude” to friends.
Private WhatsApp group discussions revealed that acquaintances viewed the conduct as “public and recurrent,” with the suspect often sharing his tales with laughter and pride.
The victim’s friends reported that the suspect threatened to take their son due to his higher salary. Despite the situation being public, it was never reported to authorities.
Over several years, he allegedly maintained an extramarital affair, with this partner also suffering abuse.
“I Saw Some Messages and Went Blind”
Expressing deep remorse to Diário de Notícias da Madeira, the suspect admitted, “I saw some messages and went blind. That’s what happened, and I apologize.”
The newspaper reported that the victim is receiving support from Social Security, with the regional Secretary for Inclusion expressing shock and emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the victim and her family.
“Reprehensible Act”
The Machico Municipal Fire Brigade expressed “profound dismay” over the crime involving one of their members, labeling the act as “reprehensible” and urging justice.
“Protect This Boy”
Social media users have rallied in support of the mother and child, victims of domestic violence, advocating for psychological and emotional care to prevent future consequences.
Writer Pedro Chagas Freitas is one of many figures calling for protection, stating, “Protect this boy, this family. Give them the chance to live. There’s nothing more just than healing a broken child’s heart. Stay strong, kid. I don’t know you, but I already admire you,” in a social media post.
