Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Kalundborg

About Domestic Violence Law in Kalundborg, Denmark

Domestic violence in Kalundborg is treated as a serious criminal and social issue. It includes physical violence, threats, coercion, stalking, psychological abuse, economic control, and digital abuse such as sharing private images without consent. Cases are handled by the local police district for Kalundborg, Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi, and prosecuted under Danish national law in the district courts that serve the area. Survivors can access emergency protection, crisis shelters, and legal assistance. The municipality has duties to support adults and children affected by violence, and the police can intervene quickly to secure safety, including removing an abusive person from a shared home.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and navigate both criminal and family law processes. People often seek legal help to apply for restraining orders and eviction orders, communicate with police and prosecutors, prepare evidence, and understand what to expect in interviews and court. Legal assistance is also important for child custody and visitation changes where safety is a concern, securing compensation for injuries and trauma, arranging safe housing and address protection, dealing with immigration or residence permit questions after leaving a violent relationship, and defending against false allegations or breaches of orders. In many domestic violence cases, the court can appoint a victim counsel, called a bistandsadvokat, at no cost to the survivor.

Local Laws Overview

Domestic violence conduct is prosecuted under the Danish Penal Code, including offenses such as violence, aggravated violence, threats, coercion, unlawful stalking, and violations of privacy including sharing intimate images without consent. Denmark also has a dedicated framework for protection measures under the Act on Restraining Orders, Exclusion Orders, and Evictions, known in Danish as tilhold, opholdsforbud, og bortvisning. The police can issue an immediate restraining order that prohibits contact, an exclusion order that bans the perpetrator from staying near a specific area like a home or workplace, and an emergency eviction that removes the abusive person from a shared residence. An emergency eviction can be made quickly for a short period and then extended by a court if the risk continues. Violating these orders is a criminal offense that can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Survivors can seek help from crisis centers and shelters under the Social Services Act. Municipalities, including Kalundborg Kommune, must offer advice, safety planning, temporary accommodation, and support for children exposed to violence. The police can seize weapons and revoke permits if there is a safety risk. In the criminal process, the police investigate and the prosecutor brings the case to court. Survivors can have a state funded victim counsel to assist during questioning and trial, help assert claims, and protect privacy. Compensation for injuries can often be pursued through the state Crime Victims Compensation scheme, usually within a set timeframe after the offense or final judgment.

If children are affected, the Family Court system and Familieretshuset evaluate custody, residence, and visitation with a focus on the child’s best interests and safety. Contact can be supervised, restricted, or temporarily suspended if there is a risk. People with residence permits based on family reunification can in some cases retain their permit if they leave a relationship due to domestic violence. Survivors can request address protection and other privacy safeguards in national registers to reduce risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do in an emergency in Kalundborg?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112. For non emergency police assistance or to report a crime, call 114. You can also go to a safe place such as a crisis shelter and ask staff to help you contact police and social services.

How do I report domestic violence to the police?

You can report at a police station, by calling 114, or during medical treatment if you tell healthcare staff what happened. Provide as much detail as you can, including dates, messages, injuries, and witnesses. You can ask for a victim counsel to assist you during the process.

Can the police remove the abusive person from our home?

Yes. The police can issue an emergency eviction order that requires the abusive person to leave a shared residence. This can take effect immediately for a short period, with possible court extension if the risk continues. The order can be paired with an exclusion zone around the home.

What is a restraining order and how long can it last?

A restraining order, called a tilhold, prohibits contact such as calls, messages, visits, and indirect contact through others. It is often set for up to one year and can be extended if the risk persists. Breaching an order is a criminal offense.

Do I need a lawyer, and will it cost me money?

In many domestic violence cases, the court can appoint a victim counsel at no charge to you. If you need additional advice for family, housing, or immigration matters, you may qualify for legal aid or low cost legal help. Speak with police, a crisis center, or a local lawyer about your eligibility.

What happens to child custody and visitation if there has been violence?

Child safety comes first. Familieretshuset and the Family Court can change arrangements quickly to protect children, including supervised contact, reduced contact, or temporary suspension. Evidence of violence will be considered when making decisions in the child’s best interests.

How should I document the abuse?

Save messages, call logs, emails, social media posts, and photos of injuries or damage. Seek medical care and ask for documentation of injuries. Keep a dated log of incidents. Do not delete content or confront the abuser to get evidence. Share materials safely with police or your lawyer.

Will the abuser learn my new address if I move?

You can ask for address protection in national registers and use confidentiality measures in court. Restraining and exclusion orders can include zones around your home and workplace. Discuss a safety plan with police, your lawyer, or a crisis center to limit the risk of discovery.

Can I get compensation for medical costs and trauma?

Yes, you can often claim compensation for personal injury, pain and suffering, lost income, and other losses. You can bring a claim in the criminal case and also apply to the state Crime Victims Compensation Board. Deadlines apply, commonly around two years, so seek advice promptly.

I am in Denmark on a family reunification permit. What if I leave due to violence?

There are protections that may allow you to keep your residence permit if you leave the relationship because of domestic violence. Gather documentation such as police reports and medical records and seek legal advice quickly to avoid gaps in your status.

Additional Resources

Police emergency number 112 and non emergency number 114. Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi serves Kalundborg and can issue protection measures and take reports.

Lev Uden Vold national hotline for domestic violence 1888. Provides confidential advice, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and counseling for adults and children.

Offerrådgivningen i Danmark victim support 116 006. Offers confidential emotional support and practical guidance after crime, including accompaniment to police or court.

Kalundborg Kommune social services and family services. Can help with safety planning, emergency housing, support for children, and coordination with crisis centers.

Familieretshuset Family Law House. Handles parental responsibility, residence, and visitation in cases involving children and can impose protective measures focused on child safety.

Dialog mod Vold and other specialist counseling providers. Offer therapy for people who use violence and support services for partners and families.

Legal aid and retshjælp services. Free or low cost legal advice on protection orders, family law, housing, immigration, and compensation.

Healthcare providers and emergency departments. Can treat injuries, document evidence, and help contact police and social services.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you feel unsafe, call 112, go to a safe location, or contact a crisis center. Create a safety plan that includes a packed bag, essential documents, and a list of trusted contacts. Consider address protection and changes to routines if needed.

Report the abuse. Contact the police at 114 or in person. Ask for a restraining order, exclusion order, or emergency eviction when appropriate. Share any evidence you have. Let the police know if children are involved so protective steps can be taken immediately.

Get legal support. Ask for a court appointed victim counsel to assist with police interviews, court, and compensation claims. If you face related issues such as custody, housing, or immigration, consult a lawyer who has experience in domestic violence matters in Kalundborg.

Access local services. Reach out to Kalundborg Kommune social services and the national hotline 1888 for shelter placement, counseling, and support for children. If you need medical attention, seek care and ask for injury documentation.

Protect your privacy. Discuss address protection, confidential telephone numbers, and safe communication methods with your lawyer, the police, or a crisis center. Review your digital security, including passwords and location settings.

Pursue compensation and longer term orders. With your lawyer, consider filing for compensation and requesting extensions of restraining or exclusion orders if the risk persists. Keep documenting any breaches and report them promptly to the police.

If you are unsure where to start, contact the national hotline 1888 or the victim support line 116 006 for guidance and referrals in Kalundborg. You are not alone, and help is available.