For almost a year now, the Fátima Association (Rodrigo), Santarém Hostel (Mario), and the Via Lusitana have known about incidents involving an elderly (about 80) man on the route to Fátima. He is located about 10 km from Santarém and 2 km before Quinta de Val Flor. He is well known on the camino, has a little place called Cantinho dos Peregrinos where he stamps credentials, and frequently posts pictures of pilgrims stopping there on facebook. My sense is that this is a little stand, not a building or a store.
Last October I got a PM from a forum member who reported a very disturbing incident with this man. Inappropriate touching, forced kissing, but she was able to get away. I put her in contact with Rodrigo and Mario, and a report was filed. Apparently he got a visit from the police (GNR) and was warned that future incidents would result in more serious measures. I think the family was also notified. She did not want to post anything on the forum, on the hope that this informal intervention would work.
Just a few days ago, I got another PM, informing me about a similar incident with the same man. The peregrina has been in touch with Rodrigo, and I have contacted Mario at Santarém Hostel. I have learned that a formal police report was filed — in Coimbra, I think.
The forum members very much wanted me to post something to warn other pilgrims, especially single females, about these incidents. I think the description of the location is clear enough to alert you to where you should be careful.
I will report back with any updates that I get. Stay safe, peregrinas, Laurie
Last October I got a PM from a forum member who reported a very disturbing incident with this man. Inappropriate touching, forced kissing, but she was able to get away. I put her in contact with Rodrigo and Mario, and a report was filed. Apparently he got a visit from the police (GNR) and was warned that future incidents would result in more serious measures. I think the family was also notified. She did not want to post anything on the forum, on the hope that this informal intervention would work.
Just a few days ago, I got another PM, informing me about a similar incident with the same man. The peregrina has been in touch with Rodrigo, and I have contacted Mario at Santarém Hostel. I have learned that a formal police report was filed — in Coimbra, I think.
The forum members very much wanted me to post something to warn other pilgrims, especially single females, about these incidents. I think the description of the location is clear enough to alert you to where you should be careful.
I will report back with any updates that I get. Stay safe, peregrinas, Laurie