Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Dornach

About Domestic Violence Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Domestic violence is a crime in Switzerland and is taken seriously by authorities in Dornach and throughout the Canton of Solothurn. It covers physical violence, sexual violence, psychological abuse, threats, coercion, stalking-type behavior, and economic control within family or intimate relationships. Swiss law provides both criminal and civil tools to protect victims quickly and to hold offenders accountable.

In urgent situations, the police in Dornach can intervene immediately to stop violence and secure your safety. Courts can issue protective orders that restrict contact or require a person to leave a shared home. Victims also have access to confidential support, shelters, and legal assistance under Swiss victim support legislation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be crucial when you need fast protection such as a no-contact or stay-away order, or when the police remove a violent person from the home and you need to extend that protection through the courts. Legal guidance ensures your application meets the requirements and includes the right evidence.

If criminal charges are involved, a lawyer can represent you in the criminal process, help you exercise your rights as a victim, and claim compensation for injury, medical costs, and moral harm. They can also shield you from unnecessary confrontations during proceedings.

Domestic violence often overlaps with family law issues such as separation, divorce, allocation of the home, spousal or child support, and parental responsibility and contact schedules. A lawyer can help you prioritize safety while arranging interim measures for you and your children.

If you are a foreign national who holds a residence permit based on family reunification, domestic violence can affect your right to stay after separation. A lawyer can advise you on maintaining your residence permit due to hardship and on collecting proof of abuse for the migration authorities.

Other areas where legal help is useful include urgent tenancy questions, workplace and income protections after an incident, and the coordination of court measures with social services and child protection authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law is federal and applies in Dornach. Offenses frequently seen in domestic violence cases include assault and bodily harm, threats, coercion, sexual coercion and rape, and damage to property. Many of these offenses can be prosecuted by authorities even without a formal complaint from the victim when they occur within a family or intimate setting. You can still choose to file a complaint, and you can withdraw a complaint only within legal limits.

Under the Swiss Civil Code, courts can order protective measures against violence, threats, or stalking-type behavior. These measures can include a contact ban, a prohibition from approaching or entering certain places, and an order to leave a shared residence. Such orders are designed to be practical and enforceable, and breach of an order can lead to criminal consequences.

The police in the Canton of Solothurn can issue an immediate barring order and eviction from the shared home in acute cases. This is a short-term measure designed to stop violence quickly. Courts can extend protection through a civil protective order if ongoing risk exists.

Victims are entitled to support under the Federal Act on Assistance to Victims of Crime. The cantonal victim support service offers confidential counseling, practical help, and financial assistance in certain cases. It can also help organize safe accommodation and accompany you through legal steps.

Criminal proceedings follow the Swiss Criminal Procedure Code. Victims have special rights, including the right to be accompanied by a trusted person, to request measures that avoid direct confrontation with the accused, to be treated with respect and discretion, and to claim compensation within the criminal case. Interpreters can be provided if you do not speak German.

Child protection is handled by the Child and Adult Protection Authority known as KESB. If children are at risk, KESB can issue protective measures such as supervised contact, support services, or emergency interventions that prioritize the best interests of the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence in Switzerland?

Domestic violence includes physical harm, sexual violence, threats, coercion, intimidation, stalking-type behavior, and controlling or isolating conduct that causes fear or harm within a family or intimate relationship. It also covers repeated non-physical abuse that seriously impacts your well-being.

Do I have to file a complaint, or will the police act on their own?

In urgent situations the police will intervene to protect you whether or not you have filed a complaint. Some domestic violence offenses can be prosecuted by authorities ex officio, meaning without a formal complaint. A lawyer or victim support service can advise you on whether your case requires a complaint and on the timing and consequences of filing or withdrawing one.

Can the police in Dornach remove the violent person from the home?

Yes. In acute danger, Solothurn police can issue an immediate barring order and require the person to leave the shared home for a short period. Courts can then issue or extend a civil protective order if ongoing protection is needed.

How quickly can I get a protective order, and how long does it last?

Courts can issue interim protective measures on an urgent basis if there is credible risk, sometimes without first hearing the other side. The duration depends on the circumstances and the court order. Orders can be extended if risk persists, and violations can lead to criminal penalties.

What if I need to separate or divorce because of violence?

You can apply for protective orders and at the same time request interim family law measures such as use of the home, child residence and contact, and financial support. Evidence of violence can influence these decisions. A lawyer can help you coordinate timing and filings to prioritize safety.

I am on a residence permit tied to my spouse. Will I lose it if I leave?

Not necessarily. Swiss migration law allows continued residence in cases of important personal hardship such as domestic violence. You will need to show evidence, for example police reports, medical records, or witness statements. Get legal advice early to protect your status and meet deadlines.

How are children protected, and will authorities involve KESB?

If children are at risk, KESB can take protective measures. Courts and police can notify KESB, and you can also contact them yourself. Protective steps can include supervised exchanges, support services, or temporary adjustments to parental contact to ensure safety.

Can I leave my rental apartment early because of domestic violence?

Swiss tenancy law allows extraordinary termination for compelling reasons. Domestic violence can qualify as a compelling reason. You may need a court decision or landlord agreement and should document the risk. A lawyer can help you plan a safe move and address liability for rent.

Can I get financial help as a victim?

Victim support services can provide counseling and, in some cases, financial assistance for urgent needs and contributions toward medical or psychological treatment. You can also claim compensation and moral damages from the offender within the criminal case or in civil court. Deadlines apply, so seek advice promptly.

Is stalking specifically illegal in Switzerland?

Stalking is addressed through a combination of criminal provisions such as threats and coercion and through civil protective orders that ban contact or proximity. Even without a standalone stalking offense, courts can issue effective restrictions and the police can enforce them when breached.

Additional Resources

Police emergency 117. Call immediately if you are in danger. The police in Dornach and the Canton of Solothurn can secure the scene, remove the offender, and connect you with support services.

Medical emergency 144. Seek medical care and request forensic documentation of injuries. Medical records can be important evidence and help you access support.

Victim support service of the Canton of Solothurn known as Opferhilfe. Offers confidential counseling, safety planning, practical assistance, and information about compensation and legal rights.

Women and children shelters. Frauenhaus Aargau-Solothurn and nearby shelters in the Basel region offer safe accommodation and support. Shelters can be accessed through victim support or the police at any time.

Child and Adult Protection Authority KESB Dorneck-Thierstein. Handles child protection measures and can arrange supervised contact or urgent interventions where needed.

Sozialberatung in the Dornach area such as the Sozialregion Dorneck-Thierstein. Can assist with emergency housing, income support, and coordination with services.

Helplines for emotional support. Die Dargebotene Hand 143 for adults. Pro Juventute 147 for children and young people. These services offer anonymous support around the clock.

Services for men. Specialized counseling exists for male victims and for people who use violence who want help changing behavior. Your local victim support office can make referrals.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 117. When safe, document what happened. Keep text messages, emails, call logs, photos of injuries or damage, and names of witnesses. Seek medical attention and ask for injuries to be documented.

Contact the cantonal victim support service as soon as possible. They can help you assess risk, plan safety, find shelter, and decide whether to seek a protective order or file a criminal complaint. Their services are confidential.

Consider applying for a protective order. If the police have issued a short-term eviction, act quickly to request a court order that continues protection. A lawyer can prepare the application and evidence.

If children are involved, inform your lawyer and victim support so that protective steps for children can be coordinated. If necessary, notify KESB to ensure measures are in place.

Speak with a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases in the Solothurn region. Bring any documents you have such as IDs, permits, medical records, police reports, tenancy contracts, financial documents, and a brief timeline of events. Ask about free or reduced-cost legal help and whether you qualify for legal aid.

If your residence permit depends on your relationship, tell your lawyer immediately. Preserve evidence of abuse and ask about notifying the migration authority under hardship provisions.

If you need to move, plan it safely. Coordinate with the police or a shelter for pickup times, change locks if legally permitted, and update addresses with caution. Ask about confidential address options when appropriate.

Take care of yourself. Use counseling and medical services, and reach out to trusted friends or family for support. Domestic violence cases involve legal, practical, and emotional challenges. You do not have to face them alone.

This guide provides general information for Dornach and the Canton of Solothurn. Laws and procedures can change, and each case is unique. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified lawyer or the cantonal victim support service.