The Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested a 51-year-old man for the alleged sexual abuse of his 17-year-old stepdaughter on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, announced in a statement this Saturday, April 25. The investigation by the PJ's Azores Department began on Thursday following a report from the Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People, after the victim disclosed the abuse at school. The investigation found strong evidence that the stepfather, taking advantage of their close relationship, subjected his stepdaughter to sexual acts while they were alone at home. The man is suspected of sexual abuse of a minor in a vulnerable position. He will be presented to judicial authorities for questioning and the application of coercive measures.
Stepfather arrested for sexually abusing stepdaughter on São Miguel island
Context & Explainers
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
