SUPPORT, EMPOWER, INFORM & ENABLE
Respeito is a Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee, formed in 2016, and based on the principles of Equality, Human Rights and Social Integration. We are committed to unrestricted equity, diversity and inclusion in all circumstances.
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We are the only organisation in the UK exclusively dedicated to preventing and reducing domestic abuse within the Portuguese-speaking community in London. We provide support to survivors of any nationality, including racialised migrant minorities from Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea), Latin America (Brazil), and Europe (Portugal), regardless of their nationality, age, gender or gender identity, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith, within our cultural diversity.
Why do we do it
“I want an organisation that represents me, that listens to me. Living in London it is essential to have an organisation like Respeito as a starting point to lead in this work and to support women in our community”. AR
The Portuguese-speaking community is described as law-abiding, hard-working, respectful, family-orientated, entrepreneurial and joyful. There is also a shared love of food, music, culture, and togetherness. However, some areas of the Portuguese-speaking community face significant disadvantage due to a range of complex factors, such as socioeconomic and educational challenges, language barriers, a limited understanding of how to navigate British systems. This part of the community is at greater risk of health and wellbeing inequalities.
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Domestic abuse consistently has been identified in all the research carried out as an issue for the Portuguese-speaking community. Due to language barriers and the stigma attached to domestic abuse many people experiencing it do not get the information and support they need, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. With ongoing consultations with beneficiaries, community leaders, and survivors of domestic abuse, we aim to break down barriers and close the gap in the provision of targeted services.
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Since Respeito was founded in 2016, the representation of people with lived experience has become a priority in our organisational practice. This is a way to amplify the voices of Portuguese-speaking migrant survivors and ensure an effective intersection with British services that support our community.
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Fighting domestic violence also means fighting for gender equality and racial equality.
Our mission
To reduce and prevent domestic abuse in the Portuguese-speaking community living in the UK.
Our Vision
To support, empower, inform and enable Portuguese-speaking families and individuals in the UK to build safer and happier lives, one person at a time. 
Meet our Team
Respeito is composed of two managing directors, who are responsible for the running and the development of the organisation and a Board of Directors/Trustees who support the directors and oversee the good governance of the Charity.
Executive Team
Maria João M. Nogueira
Operations, Partnerships and Client Support Director
Hugo
bugalho
Client Support Coordinator
Juliana Rondon
Strategy and Organisational Development Director
FATIMA
TEIXEIRA
Client Support Worker
Cleo Mendes
Volunteer
Chris dusu
Accountant
dedicated consultants
Gabriel Leal
Service Designer
Catia Soares
Psychologist
Gustavo Meixner
Welfare Advisor
Cecilia Lopez
Psychologist
Board of Trustees
Chair
Sandra guerreiro
An Autism Specialist and neurodivergence expert, she worked eight years in mainstream secondary education and now supports parents and carers of autistic children in Southwark and Lambeth. A committed advocate for inclusivity, Sandra equips individuals and professionals with tools to support neurodivergent and migrant communities. She has been a Trustee of Respeito since November/2022.
Treasurer and Vice-chair
Dr Timothy Lewin
Dr Timothy Lewin is a Psychiatrist (MBBS, BSc ) and has been a trustee of Respeito since 2016.  He has been Treasurer for two years and has been appointed as a Vice-chair of Respeito in April/2023
Trustee
Felicia Luvumba
Social Researcher with various positions in planning and executing research to promote social change for over 30 years. International experiences on topics such as immigration, community inclusion and sociodemographic population. She has been a trustee of Respeito since 2020.
Trustee
Dr David Porteous
Associate Professor of Criminology at Middlesex University. Over 30 years of experience in conducting applied social and criminological research. His principal field of study has been youth crime and youth justice. Currently involved in an evaluation of a 'Culturally Informed Family Approach' to Domestic Abuse developed in west and north London Business Plan 2018-2021. He has been trustee of Respeito since 2016.
Trustee
Liliana Teixeira
Specialist in creative and strategic marketing and passionate about sustainability and driving brand awareness through content optimisation and creative marketing campaigns. Proficient at collaborating with multiple stakeholders to determine audience interest and develop strategic go-to-market plans that align with the company’s business priorities and initiatives.  She has been a trustee of Respeito since November/2022.
Trustee
Dr Tania Fonseca
The intersection of education, democracy, and social justice researcher. Career-focused on educational decision-making processes and how educational institutions foster youth empowerment to participate in social, environmental and scientific decision-making. She has been a trustee of Respeito since November/2022.