ABSTRACT
Although Portugal has undergone social and economic changes creating a more modern country, it is still, to some extent, a largely patriarchal society, dominated by male-oriented values and male privilege. Females have traditionally been viewed as subservient and inferior to men. Social norms like these, which are difficult to alter, can foster attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate violence against women, who are frequently victims of their husbands’ aggression. Although recent legislative initiatives have increased women’s safety and rights, those rights are often not exercised due to cultural norms discouraging women from seeking legal action.
