APAV's statistical data indicate a 26.5% increase in the number of elderly people supported between 2021 and 2025, with assistance provided in response to 15,804 crimes and other forms of violence.

Domestic violence continues to be the most frequently recorded crime, representing 78.9% of the situations monitored by APAV, which corresponds to 12,465 crimes.

This is followed by threats or coercion (3.7%), offences against physical integrity (3.7%), defamation or slander (3%), and fraud (2%).

More female victims

The majority of victims assisted were female (76.3%), aged between 65 and 74 (49.4%), and of Portuguese nationality (92.7%), with more than half (55.9%) of the aggressors being male.

APAV points out that "violence against elderly people occurs mostly in a family context, with the aggressor, in most situations, being the victim's son or daughter (32.3%), followed by the spouse (21.5%)," adding that 29.8% of the aggressors are between 25 and 64 years old.

The association also points out that "more than half of the victims supported (53.6%) were in a situation of continued victimisation," among whom 23.4% had experienced situations of violence for a period between two and six years before seeking support.

Almost half of the victims (46.6%) did not file a complaint or have their situation reported to the authorities.

Investment in prevention

For the institution, “these statistics reinforce the need to continue investing in prevention, early detection and specialised support for elderly victims of crime and violence, as well as in raising awareness in society about a reality that is often invisible.”

APAV, created in 1990, provides free and confidential legal, psychological, and social support by telephone, through the Victim Support Line 116 006, online via the APAV Chatbot, and in person at its offices throughout the country.