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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence covers physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse between people who have an intimate or family relationship. In Murau - as elsewhere in Austria - victims can seek immediate help from the police, medical services and specialised support organisations. The legal framework combines criminal law, civil protection measures and family law tools to protect victims, punish offenders and arrange practical matters like residence, child custody and contact.
Murau is part of the federal state of Styria (Steiermark). Local authorities in Murau - the police, the district court and social services - enforce national laws and regional support measures. If you are affected by domestic violence in Murau you can expect emergency response from the police, the possibility of protective measures and access to victim support services in the region.
Domestic violence cases often involve overlapping legal issues - criminal charges, civil protection orders, family law disputes and sometimes immigration or tenancy consequences. A lawyer can help in many common situations:
- When you want legal advice before or after filing a police report, to understand criminal procedures and possible outcomes.
- To apply for protective measures such as restraining orders or exclusion from the shared home, and to represent you at court hearings.
- For guidance and representation in divorce, separation, custody and maintenance proceedings where family safety and child protection are at stake.
- To help preserve and present evidence - medical reports, photographs, witness statements, messages and call logs - in criminal or civil proceedings.
- To request victim compensation and advise on options under the Opfer-Entschädigungsgesetz - the victim compensation system.
- When the other party starts legal action, for example contesting custody or property rights, and you need to protect your legal interests and personal safety.
- To obtain clear, practical advice on emergency options, local shelter access and long-term legal strategies.
The following points summarise the main legal elements that are particularly relevant to domestic violence in Murau. These are framed by national Austrian law and implemented locally by police, prosecutors and courts.
- Criminal offences: Physical assault, sexual violence, threats, stalking and coercive control can all be prosecuted under Austria's criminal law. Serious offences will be pursued by the public prosecutor once reported to the police.
- Immediate police measures: Police can take emergency action to protect victims at the scene. This can include temporarily removing the suspected offender from the shared residence, issuing temporary bans on returning or approaching the victim, and taking the offender into custody if necessary.
- Restraining orders and civil protection: Courts can issue injunctions that prohibit contact and approach, and orders that exclude an offender from the common home. These measures can be sought urgently and enforced by police if breached.
- Family law remedies: In separation and divorce proceedings, courts consider the safety of spouses and children when deciding residence, custody and contact arrangements. Temporary decisions can be made quickly to protect children and the abused partner.
- Victim compensation and support: Victims may be eligible for financial support, medical rehabilitation and psychological counselling under Austria's victim compensation schemes. Local social services and victim support organisations can guide applicants.
- Evidence and documentation: Medical records, police reports, photos and witness statements are essential. Hospitals and doctors can document injuries. Keep written records of incidents, threats and any communications that demonstrate abuse.
- Legal aid: If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may apply for court-funded legal assistance for civil matters and for representation in criminal proceedings in certain circumstances. Local courts and legal aid offices can explain eligibility and application steps.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number - 133 for police, or 112 for general emergency services in Austria. If it is safe to leave, go to a secure place such as a friend or family member's home or a shelter. Preserve evidence, seek medical attention, and report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
You can report domestic violence at the local police station in Murau or by calling the emergency number. The police will take an official report, may document injuries, and can start emergency protection measures. A report will normally trigger an investigation by the public prosecutor.
Yes. Police have powers to remove an alleged offender from the shared residence temporarily and to issue immediate approach or contact bans. These emergency measures are designed to protect victims until a court can consider longer-term protection orders.
Courts can issue restraining orders that prohibit contact and approach, and orders excluding the alleged offender from the common home. Courts can also make temporary decisions on custody, contact and financial support when necessary for safety.
Many serious offences are prosecuted by the public prosecutor once the police report is filed, even if the victim does not want to press charges. However, victims can discuss their preferences with police and prosecutors, and a lawyer can help explain how the process will move forward.
Child safety is a priority. If children are at risk, child protection authorities will assess the situation and may implement immediate measures. Family courts can make urgent decisions about residence, custody and supervised contact to protect children. Inform the police and social services about any risk to children as early as possible.
Victims may be eligible for compensation and support under Austria's victim compensation schemes. This can include help with medical and psychological treatment, and in some cases financial compensation. A lawyer or a victim support organisation can advise on eligibility and the application process.
Keep a detailed diary of incidents with dates, times, locations and descriptions. Preserve physical evidence, photographs of injuries or damage, hospital records, prescription notes and communications such as texts, emails and social media messages. Ask witnesses for written statements where possible.
Yes. Austria provides legal aid options for civil proceedings and, in certain cases, for representation in criminal matters. The court or a local legal aid office can explain eligibility requirements and how to apply. Victim support organisations can also advise about access to free or low-cost legal counselling.
Bring any police reports, medical records, photographs, written incident logs, copies of messages or emails, court documents if any, identity papers and any relevant contracts such as tenancy agreements. If children are involved bring birth certificates and any school or childcare documentation. Providing a clear timeline of events will help the lawyer advise you quickly.
Local and national organisations can provide practical help, counselling and legal guidance. Consider contacting:
- The local police station or emergency services in Murau if you need immediate protection.
- District court offices - for Murau this includes the Bezirksgericht Murau - for information on procedures and filings.
- Regional courts and public prosecutor offices for questions about criminal proceedings; in Styria many serious matters are handled by larger regional centres such as Graz.
- Victim support organisations in Austria that provide counselling and help with applications for victim compensation and safety planning.
- Local women's shelters and counselling centres in Styria for emergency accommodation and psychosocial support.
- Child protection and youth welfare services if children are affected.
- Legal aid and advice offices for information about free or subsidised legal representation.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance for domestic violence in Murau:
- Step 1 - If you are in immediate danger call emergency services right away. Your safety and the safety of any children is the first priority.
- Step 2 - Seek medical help and ask for documentation of any injuries. Medical records are important evidence.
- Step 3 - Report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. Ask about emergency protection measures the police can take.
- Step 4 - Contact a victim support organisation or shelter to help with immediate needs, safety planning and emotional support.
- Step 5 - Arrange a consultation with a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, criminal law and family law. If you cannot afford one, enquire about legal aid or public counselling services.
- Step 6 - Gather and preserve evidence - photos, messages, medical records and witness statements. Keep a dated incident log.
- Step 7 - Discuss with your lawyer the best legal steps - seeking a court protection order, filing civil applications for custody or maintenance, pursuing criminal complaints or applying for victim compensation.
- Step 8 - Follow court orders and police advice, and keep contact with support services for practical and emotional assistance throughout the legal process.
If you are unsure where to start, begin with the police or a local victim support service in Murau. They can help you prioritise safety, explain immediate legal options and connect you with a lawyer who understands domestic violence cases in Styria.
