Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Browse our 1 legal question about Domestic Violence in Germany and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Hello:Presuming this is within Philippine jurisdiction, threats to life are taken seriously under the Revised Penal Code, particularly Article 282 on grave threats. If your wife is threatening to poison or kill you, this constitutes a criminal act which can...
Read full answerDomestic violence in Buhl, Germany is treated seriously under both criminal and civil law. Acts that cause physical harm, threats, sexual violence, stalking, coercion, or repeated harassment can lead to criminal prosecution under the German Penal Code. In addition, the Protection Against Violence Act - Gewaltschutzgesetz - gives victims civil remedies such as protection orders and prohibitions on contact and proximity. Police, courts, social services, and specialist support organizations all play roles in providing immediate safety and longer term legal remedies. If you or someone you know is at risk, it is important to act quickly to secure safety and legal protection.
A lawyer can be important in domestic violence cases for several reasons. Legal counsel can help you understand your rights, explain possible criminal and civil steps, and represent you in court. Typical situations where you may need a lawyer include:
- Seeking a protection order under the Protection Against Violence Act and preparing necessary court applications and evidence.
- Filing criminal charges or supporting a criminal prosecution and navigating contact with the police and public prosecutor.
- Arranging separation, divorce, and related family court matters when violence affects child custody, visitation, or household access.
- Dealing with tenancy and property questions when one partner is to be removed from the shared home or when you need to secure your belongings.
- Obtaining legal assistance if you are a non-German citizen and need help with residence status, permits, or protections tied to victim status.
- Collecting and preserving evidence, advising on witness statements, and ensuring your legal position is protected for both immediate and long term outcomes.
Key legal tools and institutions relevant to domestic violence in Buhl include the following:
- Criminal Offences: Physical assault, threats, sexual violence, coercion, and stalking are punishable under the German Penal Code. If you have been harmed, the police can open an investigation and the public prosecutor can bring charges.
- Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz): This law lets victims apply to the family court for court orders that prohibit the perpetrator from approaching or contacting the victim, and can include an expulsion from the shared home for a limited period. These orders can be sought quickly and are designed to offer immediate protection.
- Police Emergency Measures: If you are in immediate danger, call the police. Officers can remove a threatening person from your residence and may issue on-the-spot measures to stop further violence while criminal and civil steps follow.
- Family Court and Custody: Family courts handle protective measures, custody, and visitation disputes. Domestic violence is a central consideration when courts decide on custody or supervised contact arrangements.
- Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt): If children are involved, the Jugendamt can offer support, mediate in custody matters, and initiate child protection procedures if necessary.
- Victim Support and Compensation: Victims can access victim support services and may be eligible for financial compensation or state support for medical or psychological treatment, through victim compensation schemes and support programs.
If you are in immediate danger call the police on 110. If medical help is needed call emergency services on 112. Try to get to a safe place, and if possible, keep evidence such as photos of injuries, messages, and witness names. Police can take immediate steps to separate parties and document the incident.
You can apply to the family court for a protection order. A lawyer can help prepare the application, but it is also possible to file without a lawyer. The court can prohibit the abuser from contacting you or coming near your home and can order the abuser to leave a shared residence for a period of time. If you need help, contact the local family court or a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases.
Police will investigate incidents and prepare a report. In many cases the public prosecutor decides on charges. If you want criminal charges to be pursued, tell the police and provide as much detail and evidence as possible. In some cases the prosecutor can proceed even if you do not want to press charges, especially when public safety is at risk.
Yes. Under the Protection Against Violence Act the court can order the abuser to leave the shared home and ban them from returning for a defined period. In emergency situations police can also intervene. A lawyer can help you apply for the court order and advise on tenancy and property issues.
Domestic violence is a major factor in custody and visitation decisions. Courts prioritize the childs welfare. The family court and Jugendamt will consider safety, possible supervised contact, and whether a change in custody is necessary. If violence involves children directly, the court may limit or suspend contact pending assessment.
Yes. Protection orders and criminal courts can prohibit contact by phone, text, e-mail, social media, and third parties. Make detailed notes of abusive online contact and preserve screenshots as evidence. A lawyer can ensure the order includes digital contact prohibitions where needed.
Reporting violence should not be punished by immigration authorities. In many cases a victim of domestic violence may be eligible for specific protections or may apply for independent residency permits depending on circumstances. Immigration consequences can be complex, so consult a lawyer who handles both family or criminal law and immigration matters for tailored advice.
Germany has legal aid options. For an initial out-of-court consultation you may apply for a Beratungshilfeschein, which reduces costs for legal advice. If court proceedings are necessary, you may be eligible for Prozesskostenhilfe which covers court costs and lawyer representation if you cannot afford them. A lawyer or the local court can explain how to apply for these forms of assistance.
Collect as much evidence as possible while keeping your safety first. Useful evidence includes medical reports, photos of injuries and property damage, threatening messages or e-mails, witness statements, police reports, and a contemporaneous diary or log of incidents. Preserve originals and make copies where safe. Your lawyer can advise on how to secure and present evidence to the court.
If you fear retaliation, tell the police and your lawyer immediately. Protection orders can include no-contact and no-approach conditions. The police and courts can impose measures and criminal sanctions for breaches. Victim support services and shelters provide additional safety planning and confidential support. If you are concerned about workplace safety, inform your employer if appropriate and ask for assistance in keeping contact details private.
Below are organizations and institutions commonly involved in domestic violence support in and around Buhl. They can provide shelter, counseling, legal information, and practical help.
- Local police station - for emergencies and to file reports.
- Family Court (Familiengericht) - for protection orders and family law matters.
- Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) - for cases involving children and child protection.
- Frauenhaus and women shelters in the region - for emergency housing and safety planning.
- Victim support organizations such as Weisser Ring and local Opferhilfe services - for counseling, practical help, and guidance through criminal proceedings.
- Local or regional women counseling centers and social services run by Diakonie, Caritas, or independent counseling centers - for confidential advice and support.
- Legal aid offices and local bar association - to find a lawyer specialized in family and criminal law and to get information about legal aid options.
If you need legal assistance for domestic violence, follow these practical steps:
- If you are in immediate danger call 110 now. Prioritize your physical safety and that of any children.
- Go to a safe location such as a friends house, a shelter, or a public place. Consider emergency accommodation at a Frauenhaus if you cannot stay safely at home.
- Report the incident to the police and request a copy of the police report for your records. Ask the police about immediate protective measures.
- Collect and preserve evidence where safe - photographs, messages, medical reports, witness names, and a diary of incidents.
- Contact a lawyer who specialises in family and criminal law. If cost is a concern, ask about Beratungshilfe and Prozesskostenhilfe to cover legal consultations and court representation.
- Reach out to victim support services for emotional support, safety planning, and practical assistance with housing, finances, and communicating with authorities.
- If children are involved contact the Jugendamt for support and to ensure their safety is assessed and protected.
- Keep a record of all interactions with authorities, service providers, and your lawyer. Update your safety plan regularly and follow professional advice.
Domestic violence is complex and can be frightening, but you do not have to face it alone. Local police, courts, victim support organisations, and specialised lawyers can help you secure protection and navigate the legal steps ahead. If you are unsure where to start, contacting the police or a local victim support organisation is a reliable first step.
