The network said in a statement that several protests were planned for the cities of Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Aveiro and Lisbon on Thursday.

The statement also pointed out that the country celebrates Valentine's day on Thursday and that studies have shown that a many young people don't recognise violent situations in relationships, adding that violence is generally "naturalised" and "legitimised."

According to the network, these figures reveal "abusive behaviour" starts "very early" and that 10 women have already been killed in Portugal this year.

No "decent country" can shrug off the fact that there are an increasing number of victims of domestic violence and that 85% of complaints are not acted upon, the statement added.

The 8 of March network was founded in 2011 and includes over 30 associations and trade unions which organise a strike to mark International Women's Day on 8 March, with protests taking place around the country.