A man accused of masquerading as a physiotherapist and sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman at a “health and wellness establishment” in Oeiras, Lisbon, has been placed under preventive detention.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the decision on Thursday, detailing that the suspect faces serious charges including two counts of rape, sexual coercion, sexual harassment, and impersonation of a qualified professional.
The statement noted, “In summary, it is indicated that the defendant, falsely presenting himself as a physiotherapist and osteopath without valid credentials, began treating the victim in October 2024 and coerced her into sexual acts during supposed therapeutic practices.”
The investigation is ongoing, now being handled by the Regional Department of Investigation and Penal Action in Oeiras.
This week’s detention followed last year’s incidents leading to the arrest on Monday with the preliminary hearing occurring on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 24th and 25th of October.
The arrest was executed by the Judicial Police (PJ) outside of a crime scene. As detailed by authorities, the victim suffered from “joint/orthopedic issues” prompting her to seek “physiotherapy sessions.”
During these sessions, she was subjected to “sexual acts” she could neither prevent nor resist due to “tonic immobility.”
The young woman eventually filed a complaint with the Public Security Police (PSP) in Oeiras, triggering the involvement of the PJ to further the investigation.
In Portugal, practicing as a physiotherapist legally requires a higher education qualification and registration with the Order of Physiotherapists.
Currently, a physiotherapy degree takes four years and includes mandatory internships, available at both public and private universities. The complete list of institutions offering this program is available on the Order of Physiotherapists’ website.
