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
Domestic violence is taken seriously across Italy, including in Cesano Maderno, a municipality in the province of Monza and Brianza, Lombardy. The Italian legal system treats many forms of domestic abuse as criminal offences and has specific laws and procedures designed to protect victims and to punish perpetrators. Local institutions that respond include law enforcement agencies, the public prosecutor at the Tribunale di Monza, local social services and specialised anti-violence centres. Recent legislative changes, such as the so-called Codice Rosso, have introduced faster investigative timelines and strengthened protective measures for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
A lawyer can help in many ways if you are involved in a domestic violence matter. Common situations where legal assistance is important include:
- Filing a criminal report or communicating with the public prosecutor and police.
- Requesting emergency protective measures, such as removal of the alleged aggressor from the family home or orders to stay away from the victim.
- Initiating or defending separation, divorce and child custody proceedings where violence or abuse is alleged.
- Seeking civil remedies, including orders for protection, maintenance or compensation for damages.
- Collecting and presenting evidence effectively in criminal and civil courts.
- Navigating immigration consequences for foreign nationals who are victims or accused persons.
- Defending someone who has been accused of domestic violence, ensuring procedural rights and proper representation during criminal proceedings.
Key legal points relevant to domestic violence in Cesano Maderno include:
- Criminal offences: Italian criminal law addresses many types of abusive conduct, including maltrattamenti in famiglia (maltreatment within the family), stalking, physical injury and sexual violence. These offences can lead to criminal investigation and prosecution by the Procura della Repubblica at the Tribunale di Monza.
- Codice Rosso: Law 69/2019 introduced accelerated procedures for cases of domestic and gender-based violence, with specific timing obligations for police and prosecutors to act quickly on reports concerning threats, abuse and violence.
- Protective measures: Courts may order emergency measures such as the removal of the alleged offender from the shared home, temporary bans on approaching or contacting the victim, and other restrictions designed to protect safety. The police can also issue administrative warnings in certain cases and assist with emergency enforcement.
- Civil family law: Family court matters such as separation, divorce and child custody are important when abuse is alleged. Courts consider the safety and best interests of children, and may impose provisions for custody, supervised visits and support.
- Free legal aid: People with limited income may qualify for legal aid - patrocinio a spese dello Stato - which can cover a lawyer for criminal and some civil proceedings. Local courts and the Ordine degli Avvocati can provide information about eligibility and procedures.
- Local services: Municipal social services, health services and specialised anti-violence centres provide protection, counselling and referral to shelters. Law enforcement offices in the area assist with immediate danger and criminal reporting.
Your safety is the priority. If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number - for Italy use 112 - and ask for police assistance. Seek medical attention at the nearest emergency room and make sure any injuries are documented. If possible, preserve evidence such as photos, messages, clothing and medical reports. Contact a local anti-violence centre or a lawyer as soon as you can for legal and practical support.
You can report domestic violence to the police - Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri - at the nearest station, or by calling the emergency number. You can also go to the public prosecutor at the Tribunale di Monza to make a formal report. Anti-violence centres and social services can help you make the report and accompany you to authorities.
Authorities can arrange immediate protection by separating parties at the scene and by accompanying victims to a safe place. Courts can order measures such as removal of the alleged abuser from the family home, prohibitions on approaching the victim, restrictions on contact and mandatory distance orders. In criminal cases, judges can also impose pre-trial measures like house arrest or restraining orders.
Codice Rosso is a 2019 law that requires faster handling of complaints involving domestic and gender-based violence. Under this law, police and prosecutors must act quickly to open investigations and inform victims about available protections. The aim is to speed up initial responses and reduce delays that can increase risk to the victim.
Yes. If you meet the financial eligibility requirements you may be entitled to free legal aid - patrocinio a spese dello Stato. This can cover legal assistance in criminal proceedings and certain civil matters. Ask your local court, the Ordine degli Avvocati della provincia di Monza e della Brianza, or an anti-violence centre for help with the application.
Children are protected as a priority. Removal is not automatic and is considered only if there is clear evidence that remaining with a parent puts a child at serious risk. Courts seek solutions that protect children while limiting disruption, such as supervised contact, temporary custody changes or placement with relatives. Social services may become involved to assess the family situation and propose appropriate measures.
Reporting abuse should not penalise a victim. There are specific protections and procedures for foreign nationals who are victims of domestic violence, including considerations for residence permits in media of assistance or cooperation with authorities. Consult a lawyer or an immigration specialist to understand how your particular status may be affected and what protections are available.
The duration varies. Criminal investigations and trials can take months to years depending on complexity, witness availability and appeals. Family court matters also vary by case. Codice Rosso seeks to accelerate some early investigative steps in criminal cases. A lawyer can give a better estimate based on the specifics of your case and local court workloads.
Useful evidence includes medical reports and photographs of injuries, police reports, text messages, emails, call logs, social media messages, witness statements, and any recordings made lawfully. Keep a dated diary of incidents with as much detail as you can. Do not risk safety to collect evidence - prioritise secure ways to store or forward evidence through trusted channels or with legal help.
If you are accused, seek legal representation immediately. You have the right to a defence and to be informed of the charges. Avoid contact with the alleged victim if a protective order is in place. Gather any evidence or witnesses that support your position and follow legal and court instructions. An experienced criminal lawyer can advise about procedural steps, possible defences and how to limit personal and legal consequences.
Local and national resources that can help include:
- Local municipal social services - Comune di Cesano Maderno - Servizi Sociali, for social support and referrals.
- Law enforcement - local Carabinieri stations and Polizia di Stato for immediate help and reporting.
- Procura della Repubblica presso il Tribunale di Monza - for criminal case management.
- Anti-violence centres and shelters - Cesano Maderno and the wider Monza e Brianza area host specialised centres that provide counselling, shelter and accompaniment through legal procedures.
- National helpline for gender-based violence and stalking - number 1522 - available for information and referral.
- National and regional networks such as D.i.Re - Donne in Rete contro la Violenza - and local Centri Antiviolenza in Lombardy for specialised support.
- Ordine degli Avvocati della provincia di Monza e della Brianza for lawyer referrals and information on legal aid eligibility.
- Emergency medical services and the nearest hospital emergency room for medical care and documentation of injuries.
If you need legal assistance in Cesano Maderno take these practical steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - if you are in danger call the emergency number 112.
- Get medical care and document injuries at the hospital.
- Preserve evidence - keep messages, photos and any documents that relate to the incidents.
- Report the incident to police or the public prosecutor; an anti-violence centre can accompany you.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in criminal law and family law; ask about legal aid if you cannot afford private counsel.
- Reach out to local anti-violence organisations or social services for shelter, counselling and practical support.
- Follow court orders and police instructions carefully, and attend hearings with your lawyer.
- Keep a written record of all contacts with authorities, dates of incidents and steps taken to protect yourself and any children.
This guide provides general information and does not replace personalised legal advice. For decisions affecting your safety and legal rights consult a qualified lawyer or a specialised support service in your area as soon as possible.
