Catia Pontedeira

Currently teaching in Criminology BSc and MSc levels at the University of Maia (Portugal) and University School of Nursing (Porto). Extensive experience in research projects since 2012 (including in design, submission, implementation, research and evaluation). Was the coordinator and Senior Researcher of several projects contracted by EIGE - European Institute for Gender Equality; Member of the Portuguese Observatory of Murdered Women, and part of the Portuguese team of the European Observatory on Femicide. Involved in quantitative and qualitative studies; training of professionals; preparing and publishing materials, studies, papers and recommendations at EU and national levels. Integrates the list of experts of the Institute for Gender Equality in the field of research and statistics and gender-based violence. Actively participated in several funded academic and social research projects and is a member of different networks related to Criminology and Gender-based violence.

EDUCATION

Cátia Pontedeira has completed a European PhD in Criminology from the Faculty of Law of the University of Porto with a focus on Sentencing Intimate Partner Homicides in Portugal and the UK: a comparative study. Awarded a PhD scholarship in 2019. Completed a master’s degree in Forensic Science at London South Bank University, receiving the ‘Best Postgraduate Student’ prize in 2014. Has a BSc in Criminology by the University of Maia and a Post-graduation in Gender Equality and another in Forensic Sciences, Criminal Investigation and Deviant Behavior

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Sociology and Political Science, Social Psychology

Scopus Publications

Intimate Partner Homicides: Passionate Crime Arguments in the Portuguese Supreme Court of Justice
Cátia Pontedeira, Jorge Quintas, and Sandra Walklate
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
AbstractIntimate partner homicides are often described as “passionate crimes”. While most sentencing studies focus on the analysis of the impact of specific characteristics of the offender, victim or the crime in sentencing, this study aims to analyse how “passionate crimes” are described in the Portuguese Supreme Court of Justice outcomes. From a qualitative analysis of 24 sentences, it is possible to conclude that passion is often related to jealousy, describing out-of-control offenders, arguments about cold-minded actions versus premeditated actions, and when describing prevention needs involved in sentencing these crimes. The defence often raises arguments minimising the gravity of the homicide due to strong “passion” emotion, but the Supreme Court of Justice has been declining most of them. The fact that most of these crimes are premeditated and actions happen with a “cold mind” also inhibits the “hot-blooded” “passionate” excuse for the crime. Results suggest that the Supreme Court of Justice is increasingly concerned about the necessity of preventing intimate partner homicides given its gravity and social impact.