Graduated in nursing (1982), specialized in Maternal and Obstetric Health Nursing (1988), postgraduate in Gender Equality Law (2005), Ph.D. in Nursing (2012), and specialist in Gender Equality (2018). Her areas of academic interest/research are health/nursing and gender; women's health (emphasis on intimate partner violence); sexual and reproductive health. Professor at the Nursing School of Coimbra and researcher at the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (ESEnfC) - coordinates the project "Gender, health and development" and several projects from national/international scope. Participates in community projects with an emphasis on (O)Usar & Ser Laço Branco (prevention of violence in dating and healthy intimacy relationships promotion). Co-author of several books/chapters of books and scientific articles she presented communications in numerous scientific events nationwide and internationally. She is a volunteer in various organizations (scientific, professional, and non-governmental) promoting women's, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and combating gender violence.