The regional commander of the Madeira PSP, Superintendent Ricardo Matos, declared that assaulting health professionals is a public crime. This means the police can initiate criminal proceedings as soon as they become aware of the incident, regardless of the victim's willingness to file a complaint.
Matos admitted to not having specific numbers on these cases on the island but considers the Madeiran reality to be "much better" than on the mainland. He pointed to social proximity and greater sensitivity as factors that reduce the sense of anonymity and impunity.
The official recalled that, despite the low incidence, the PSP remains vigilant, as "one case is enough to make us concerned." The PSP assures that health professionals "are not alone" and that violent behaviors, including verbal ones, have legal consequences.
