In a statement, the Secretary of State for Citizenship and Equality explains that these new structures have isolation rooms, were installed in buildings provided by public and private partners, with the logistical support of the municipalities.

The management of the spaces will be carried out by entities with experience of intervention in this area, who articulate with the health authorities to expedite the performance of tests to the covid-19.

The two reception facilities join the 65 existing structures that are in full operation.

This is one of the Government's measures to deal with the situation of social isolation imposed in the framework of the response measures to the pandemic covid-19, and a coordinated contingency plan was launched in early March in terms of preventing and combating domestic violence in articulation with the National Support Network for Victims of Domestic Violence.

The intervention is based on two dimensions: strengthening the response capacity of the National Support Network for Victims of Domestic Violence (RNAVVD) and the dissemination of information for social awareness of the increased risks of violence and on support services and channels for asking for help.

As part of the reinforcement of the response capacity of RNAVVD, the Government guarantees the maintenance of care services, reception and transportation of victims in the emergency period, the adoption of contingency plans (including isolation rooms) and action plans in the service structures with urgent measures.

The plan also includes the creation and reinforcement of means of remote assistance, the reinforcement of telephone assistance, situations being monitored more regularly, the appointment of a team for urgent situations and requests, face-to-face assistance in urgent situations, with rotating teams, and articulation with local authorities if there is a need for urgent reception.

According to the press note, exceptionally, the payment decisions are automatically issued in advance of the reimbursement requests made by the beneficiaries after 30 working days.

Regarding the dissemination of information for social awareness of the increased risks of violence, the Secretary of State reports that the Campaign #SegurançaEmIsolamento was launched on social networks, television, radio and the press and the channels for victims to ask for help were strengthened.

Requests for help can be made to the Information Service for Victims of Domestic Violence - 800 202 148, free and open 24 hours a day, to the email address violencia.covid@cig.gov.pt, available to victims and professionals , and also for the new SMS 3060 Line, free and confidential, so that victims can send requests for help in writing.