Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Dornach

About Domestic Violence Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Domestic violence covers physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within family or intimate relationships. In Dornach, which is part of the canton of Solothurn, cases are handled under Swiss federal law with cantonal procedures for protection and enforcement. The police in Solothurn can intervene immediately, prosecutors can open criminal proceedings, and civil courts can issue protective orders. Victims are entitled to support under the Swiss Victim Assistance Act and can access confidential help and secure accommodation.

Swiss law treats domestic violence as a serious matter. Protective measures can be put in place quickly, including emergency police orders to remove a person from the home, no-contact rules, and court-ordered restrictions. You can seek help regardless of gender, nationality, or residence status. If children are involved, the Child and Adult Protection Authority may take steps to safeguard their welfare.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you choose the fastest and safest legal route to protection. If you are in immediate danger or are experiencing threats, stalking, or controlling behavior, an attorney can coordinate with the police and request emergency protective measures from the civil court. Legal counsel can also help you document evidence and prepare clear statements for authorities.

Criminal cases and protective orders involve strict deadlines and formal requirements. A lawyer ensures filings meet legal standards, represents you in interviews, and asks the court for tailored conditions such as residence bans, no-contact provisions, and distance requirements. If the accused violates orders, your lawyer can push for swift enforcement and penalties.

Victims often face related legal issues such as custody, visitation, housing, immigration, and employment. Legal counsel can align protective measures with child safety, adjust visitation to supervised settings, and advise on immigration implications. If you have limited means, a lawyer can help you apply for victim assistance and fee waivers.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law applies nationwide. Common offenses in domestic cases include bodily harm, assault, threats, coercion, sexual coercion, rape, and unlawful restraint. Many of these are prosecuted ex officio, meaning the state can proceed without a victim complaint. Some lesser offenses require a timely criminal complaint, typically within three months. In domestic contexts the authorities have added tools to protect victims and can sometimes proceed even if the victim does not wish to press charges.

Civil protective orders are available under Article 28b of the Swiss Civil Code. The court may order the violent person to leave and stay away from the home, prohibit contact, impose area bans such as around the victim’s home or workplace, and any other measures needed to protect against violence, threats, or stalking. Breaching a court order is a criminal offense under Article 292 of the Criminal Code and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Police protection in the canton of Solothurn includes immediate intervention, removal of the violent person from the shared home, and temporary contact bans. These emergency measures apply for a short fixed period and are designed to stabilize the situation so that a court can issue longer term orders if needed.

Victim assistance is available under the Swiss Victim Assistance Act. Services include confidential counseling, emergency accommodation, medical and psychological support, help with legal steps, interpreter services, and financial assistance in justified cases. These services are available regardless of income and residence status.

If children are affected, the Child and Adult Protection Authority for the Dorneck-Thierstein region can issue urgent child protection measures, adjust parental authority or visitation, and coordinate with courts and police to ensure safety.

If you cannot afford legal representation, you may qualify for legal aid known as unentgeltliche Rechtspflege. Courts can waive court fees and appoint a lawyer if the case has merit and you lack sufficient means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Swiss law

Domestic violence includes any physical assault, threats, intimidation, coercion, sexual violence, stalking, and controlling or economically abusive behavior between spouses, partners, ex-partners, and family members. Psychological abuse and digital harassment can also lead to protection and enforcement measures.

How fast can I get protection in Dornach

Police can act immediately. In urgent cases they may remove the violent person from the home and issue a temporary contact ban. A civil court can then issue a protective order, often on a fast track based on an urgent application, sometimes without first hearing the other side, followed by a full hearing.

Do I have to file a criminal complaint

Not always. Many domestic violence offenses are prosecuted by the authorities even without a complaint. For certain lesser offenses, you must file a complaint within three months of the incident. Filing a report helps the police assess risk and document evidence, which strengthens both criminal and civil protection measures.

Which court handles protective orders for Dornach

Protective order applications are filed with the competent civil court for your district. Dornach belongs to the Dorneck-Thierstein region of the canton of Solothurn. If you are unsure which court is competent, the local police, victim assistance office, or a lawyer can direct you to the correct filing location.

What happens if the abuser violates a protective order

Violating a court order is a criminal offense. You should call the police immediately. The police can arrest the violator, prosecutors can open proceedings, and the court can tighten or extend measures. Keep records of any contact attempts, messages, or sightings to support enforcement.

Can I stay in the home while the other person is removed

Yes. Police can order the violent person to leave temporarily. The civil court can formalize this with a longer term residence and contact ban so that you and any children can remain in the home if it is safe to do so.

What if I am not a Swiss citizen or my residence permit depends on my partner

You can still get protection and victim assistance. Seeking help does not by itself jeopardize your status. In some situations domestic violence can be relevant to residence permits and family reunification. Speak with a lawyer who understands both family and migration law to protect your rights.

How do child custody and visitation work after violence

Safety comes first. Courts and the child protection authority can order supervised exchanges or supervised visitation, temporarily suspend contact, or adjust custody if necessary. Evidence of violence is highly relevant to decisions about parental responsibility and visitation conditions.

Will I get an interpreter

Yes. Police, victim assistance offices, and courts can arrange interpretation if you do not speak German or are not comfortable using it. Tell them immediately that you need an interpreter so one can be arranged without delay.

How can I document abuse

Call the police when incidents occur so reports are created. Save messages, emails, and call logs. Take photos of injuries and property damage. Seek medical attention and ask for a medical report. Keep a dated incident journal. Your lawyer can advise on preserving digital evidence without compromising safety.

Additional Resources

Emergency Police 117. Use this number if you are in immediate danger or if a protective order is being violated.

Ambulance 144. Call for urgent medical assistance and ask the hospital to document injuries for legal use.

Die Dargebotene Hand 143. This is a confidential emotional support line for adults, available day and night.

Pro Juventute 147. This is a confidential helpline for children and teenagers.

Kantonspolizei Solothurn. The cantonal police can issue emergency removal and contact bans and can guide you on next steps in Dornach.

Victim Assistance Office Canton of Solothurn. Offers confidential counseling, emergency accommodation, legal information, financial support, and referrals to shelters and specialized services.

Women’s shelters in the region. Shelters near Dornach provide safe accommodation for women and children, advice, and assistance with legal and practical steps. Victim assistance or the police can facilitate admission.

Child and Adult Protection Authority KESB Dorneck-Thierstein. Handles protective measures for children and vulnerable adults when safety is at risk.

Staatsanwaltschaft des Kantons Solothurn. The public prosecutor’s office directs criminal investigations and prosecutions in domestic violence cases.

Next Steps

If you are in danger, call 117 immediately. If you need medical help, call 144. Ask the responders to record evidence. When safe, contact the Victim Assistance Office of the canton of Solothurn for confidential advice and practical support.

Consult a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases. Bring any police reports, medical records, messages, and notes of incidents. Your lawyer can request emergency protective orders, accompany you in police interviews, and coordinate with KESB if children are involved.

Consider a civil protective order under Article 28b of the Civil Code. Your lawyer can help you file with the competent court for Dornach and request measures such as residence bans, no-contact orders, area bans, and enforcement threats under Article 292 of the Criminal Code.

Ask about unentgeltliche Rechtspflege if you have limited means. Victim assistance can also fund or coordinate legal and psychosocial support. If language is a barrier, request an interpreter from the very first contact.

Keep a safety plan. Memorize emergency numbers, arrange a place to go, keep copies of key documents, and store an emergency bag with essentials. Update your plan with your lawyer and victim assistance advisor as the situation evolves.

This guide provides general information specific to Dornach and the canton of Solothurn. Every case is unique. Personalized legal advice from a qualified lawyer will help you choose the safest and most effective legal steps for your situation.