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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Córdoba, Argentina, is treated as both a public crime and a social problem that requires immediate protection and long-term responses. Argentina has a comprehensive national framework to prevent and address violence against women and family members. At the same time, provincial institutions in Córdoba operate police units, prosecutors and courts that apply national law together with provincial procedures. The legal system recognizes physical, psychological, sexual, economic and symbolic forms of violence, and provides urgent protective measures, criminal prosecution and civil remedies such as custody or exclusion from the shared home.
Domestic violence cases often require legal assistance because they intersect criminal law, family law and administrative protections. You may need a lawyer to:
- File a formal complaint - denuncia - and make sure authorities initiate the proper proceedings.
- Request and enforce urgent protective measures such as a restraining order, exclusion from the home, or prohibition of contact.
- Navigate criminal investigations and represent you at hearings before the Ministerio Público Fiscal and criminal courts.
- Seek civil remedies including custody or visitation modifications, spousal support and division of property.
- Advise on evidence collection, documentation and how to present proof to the judge or prosecutor.
- Coordinate with social services, healthcare providers and shelters to secure safety and support.
- Help non-citizen victims understand immigration implications and request assistance without risking deportation or other penalties.
Key legal frameworks and institutions relevant in Córdoba include national and provincial measures:
- National law 26.485 - Ley de Protección Integral para Prevenir, Sancionar y Erradicar la Violencia contra las Mujeres - establishes definitions of gender-based violence, prevention duties for public authorities, protocols for protection and coordination between agencies. It sets the basis for urgent protection orders and state obligations to provide attention and reparation.
- Criminal law and the Penal Code cover offenses such as assault, threats, sexual violence and femicide. Certain crimes carry aggravated penalties when committed against intimate partners or family members.
- Family law and civil procedures regulate custody, guardianship and access to the home. Courts can grant provisional measures to protect children and victims while civil or divorce proceedings continue.
- Córdoba provincial institutions include specialized units within the police, fiscalías (prosecutor offices) that investigate family and gender violence, family courts and municipal services offering immediate care. These authorities implement protection orders, conduct investigations and coordinate with shelters and health services.
- Protective measures that courts can issue include orders of protection or restraining orders, removal of the aggressor from the shared home, prohibition of approaching or communicating with the victim, and monetary measures such as maintenance or emergency economic assistance.
You can make a formal complaint - denuncia - at the nearest police station, at the Fiscalía specialized in family or gender violence, or directly to a judge. If you are in immediate danger call emergency services. Public institutions must receive your complaint and initiate procedures to protect you. Ask for a written copy of any report you make.
You can request urgent measures such as prohibition of approaching or contacting you, exclusion of the aggressor from the shared home, and removal of weapons. These measures are typically requested from a judge or through the prosecutor and can be issued quickly when there is risk to safety.
Yes. Police can act to separate parties when there is imminent danger and can coordinate with the prosecutor or judge to apply exclusion measures. Courts are the authority that formalize exclusion orders and set the conditions for return to the home, if any.
Criminal prosecution depends on the facts and available evidence. Injuries, threats, coercion, sexual violence and repeated abusive conduct can lead to criminal charges. The Fiscalía evaluates evidence and decides whether to press charges. A lawyer helps present evidence and accompany victims through the criminal process.
Useful evidence includes medical exams and certificates, photos of injuries or damage, recordings and messages showing threats or harassment, witness statements, police reports, emails, and timestamps of incidents. Keep copies and record dates and details of each episode of abuse.
Yes. Family courts can issue provisional custody or restrict visitation if there is risk to the children. The court will consider the children s best interests and may order supervised visitation, psychological evaluations or other protective measures while the case proceeds.
Yes. Córdoba has municipal and provincial shelters and emergency housing programs for people at risk. Public institutions and civil society organizations coordinate to provide immediate shelter, counseling and social assistance. If you need shelter ask police, prosecutors or local social services to refer you.
Yes. Public defenders and free legal assistance programs are available for people who cannot afford private counsel. There are also NGOs and legal clinics that provide advice and representation. Ask the Fiscalía, a social worker or the Defensoría Pública for information about free legal aid in your area.
Foreign nationals have the right to protection regardless of immigration status. Authorities should not deny assistance because of nationality. If you are undocumented, ask for help from legal aid services or organizations experienced in immigration and gender violence to avoid actions that could put you at risk.
Protection orders can be temporary or longer term depending on the court s decision. They remain in force while the judge sets their duration or until revoked. Enforcement is carried out by the police and courts. If the aggressor violates an order report it immediately so criminal sanctions and additional measures can follow.
If you need help, look for the following types of resources in Córdoba - national and provincial institutions, judicial bodies and civil society organizations often work together to assist victims:
- National helpline for gender violence - Línea 144 - for information and referral to local services.
- Local police units and special offices for family and gender violence located in police stations.
- Fiscalía de Violencia Familiar or special prosecutor s offices that handle complaints and investigations.
- Family courts and judges who can issue protection measures and rule on custody and civil matters.
- Provincial social services, municipal programs and shelters that provide emergency housing, psychosocial support and orientation.
- Public defender s office and free legal aid units for those who cannot afford a private lawyer.
- Non-governmental organizations and community groups that offer counselling, accompaniment and practical support during legal processes.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing domestic violence consider these immediate actions:
- Prioritize safety: if you are in immediate danger call emergency services or go to a safe location.
- Seek urgent help: contact Línea 144 or local emergency services to be connected to protection and shelter options.
- File a formal complaint - denuncia - at the police station or Fiscalía and ask for protective measures. Request a copy of any report you make.
- Collect and preserve evidence: photos, medical records, messages, witness names and dates of incidents.
- Contact a lawyer or legal aid service for guidance on criminal and family procedures, and to request enforcement of protection orders.
- Tell a trusted person about the situation and, if possible, prepare an emergency plan with contacts, documents and essential items.
- Use available support services for medical, psychological and social assistance to address immediate and long-term needs.
Remember that laws and procedures can be complex and time sensitive. Consulting a lawyer or an experienced legal assistance program will help you understand your rights, the options available and the best path to safety and legal protection.
