BASÍLICA DOS CONGREGADOS · ARCHDIOCESE OF BRAGA
Safeguarding and reporting abuse
If you have experienced, witnessed or suspect abuse, you can ask for help and report what you know. The dignity and protection of every person come first.
Immediate danger? Call 112.
If someone is in danger or needs an immediate response, call the emergency number.
Get help and report a concern
You can contact the organisations below directly. You do not need to contact the Basilica or its rector first.
Archdiocese of Braga
The Basílica dos Congregados belongs to the Archdiocese of Braga. Its Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults is the local diocesan contact for receiving concerns and providing support and referrals relating to sexual abuse in a Church context.
Rua S. Domingos, 94 B, S. Vítor
4710-435 Braga
View the Commission’s official contact details, including email
Grupo VITA
A specialist team offering support, listening and follow-up in cases of sexual violence within the Catholic Church in Portugal, particularly where the victim was under 18 or a vulnerable adult. You can seek help about past or current situations.
VITA has a specific remit: it does not deal with domestic violence, workplace or ecclesiastical harassment, or sexual violence outside the Catholic Church in Portugal. In these cases, it refers people to the appropriate organisations.
Contact the authorities
You can report a concern directly to the police. Contacting a Church service does not replace reporting to the authorities, and is not a requirement for doing so.
Polícia Judiciária — Braga
253 275 774
chefepiquetebr@pj.pt
Other forms of violence
Physical or psychological violence, ill-treatment, neglect, harassment and abuse of authority or conscience also require attention. APAV supports victims of crime or violence, their families and friends.
116 006 — free call
Weekdays, 8 am to 11 pm
lav@apav.pt
How to report a concern
Choose the appropriate service and call, write or use its official form. Describe what you know, including, if possible, what happened, where and when, and who may be at risk. You do not need to know the legal classification of the events to contact the Polícia Judiciária.
Requests and personal information are handled under the privacy rules of the organisation you contact and the applicable legal duties. To report a concern, use the specialist services listed on this page.
Prevention and safe environments
Prevention involves the whole community: priests, staff, volunteers, families and people taking part in activities. Recognising signs of abuse, respecting boundaries and knowing where to seek help are essential steps.
Grupo VITA resources: prevention manual, KIT VITA, guides and brochures for parents, carers, children and young people.
Archdiocese of Braga Commission: information and regulations.
Information reviewed on 7 November 2026. Check the official websites for any changes to contact details and services.
