Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Ommen

About Domestic Violence Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Domestic violence, called huiselijk geweld in Dutch, covers a wide range of harmful behaviors within family or intimate relationships. It includes physical abuse, threats, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking, sexual violence, coercive control, economic abuse, and digital harassment. It can occur between spouses or partners, former partners, within parent-child or other family relationships, and in shared households.

Ommen is part of the province of Overijssel. Domestic violence cases in Ommen are handled under Dutch national law, with local enforcement and support through the regional police, the municipality, and care services such as Veilig Thuis IJsselland. The mayor of Ommen can impose urgent protective measures when there is serious risk, and criminal cases are typically brought before the District Court of Overijssel, often in Zwolle.

The Netherlands treats domestic violence as a serious public safety and public health issue. Victims have the right to protection, support, and participation in criminal proceedings. Perpetrators can face arrest, protective orders, criminal prosecution, and court-ordered interventions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly and involve overlapping areas of law. A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and act fast where deadlines are tight.

If you are a victim, a lawyer can request a civil restraining order, seek emergency measures to remove the abusive person from the home, coordinate with police and the prosecutor, prepare a victim impact statement, and attach a compensation claim to the criminal case. A lawyer can also advise on divorce, spousal and child support, parental authority, safe visitation arrangements, housing, and privacy protections. If you are not a Dutch citizen, a lawyer can advise on residence rights and exceptions for relationship breakdown due to violence.

If you are accused, a lawyer is crucial to protect your fair trial rights, respond to police questioning, challenge a house ban or restraining order, negotiate bail or release conditions, and build your defense. Prompt legal help can affect whether you can return home, contact family, or see your children during the case.

Lawyers familiar with the Ommen and Overijssel courts know local procedures, how to obtain quick hearings, and which agencies to involve for safety planning or treatment programs.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal offenses. Domestic violence is not a single offense, but conduct within the domestic setting can violate many provisions of the Dutch Criminal Code. Common charges include assault and aggravated assault, threats, stalking, coercion, unlawful deprivation of liberty, sexual offenses including marital rape, property damage, and harassment. The domestic context is taken into account for risk assessment and sentencing.

Police powers and arrest. Police in Ommen can arrest a suspect to stop ongoing violence and investigate. A suspect may be held for questioning and, where necessary, a prosecutor can seek pretrial detention. Release can be conditioned on a contact ban or area ban.

Temporary domestic exclusion order. Under the Temporary Domestic Exclusion Order Act, the mayor of Ommen can issue a 10-day house ban when there is serious and immediate danger in a household. The ban can prohibit the person from entering the home and from contacting household members. It can be extended up to a total of 28 days if the risk persists. Violation of the order can lead to arrest and criminal consequences. The person receiving the ban has the right to be heard and can challenge the decision in court, usually on short notice.

Civil restraining orders. A victim or their lawyer can ask a civil court in summary proceedings for a contact ban or area ban against the perpetrator. Courts can order the person to stay away from the home, work, school, or other locations, and to cease all forms of contact, including digital. These orders can be backed by a penalty payment for each violation and can be coordinated with criminal measures.

Children and protection measures. When children are involved, Veilig Thuis IJsselland and the Child Protection Board can assess safety. The court can impose child protection measures such as an order placing a family under supervision or a temporary out-of-home placement if necessary for safety. Parenting plans, contact arrangements, and custody can be adapted to ensure child safety, including supervised contact.

Victim rights. Victims have rights to information about the case, to be treated with respect and safety, to submit a victim impact statement, to request protective measures, and to claim compensation within the criminal case as an injured party. In serious cases victims can be informed about the release of the offender.

Professional reporting code. Professionals such as teachers, doctors, and social workers must use the national domestic violence and child abuse reporting code. This ensures structured risk assessment and referral to the right services.

Legal aid. If you meet income and asset criteria, you may be eligible for subsidized legal aid through the Legal Aid Board. You pay a client contribution and the government covers the remainder. The Legal Aid Board also funds victims counsel in certain serious cases.

Courts and jurisdiction. Most family and civil protective order cases from Ommen are heard at the District Court of Overijssel, commonly in Zwolle. Criminal matters are prosecuted by the Public Prosecution Service for the East Netherlands region. Local police in Ommen work with Veilig Thuis IJsselland for risk assessment and safety planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence in the Netherlands

Domestic violence includes any pattern of abusive behavior within a household or intimate relationship. It covers physical violence, threats, humiliation, controlling behavior, stalking, isolation, sexual coercion, financial control, and digital harassment. The law addresses each of these behaviors through specific criminal offenses and protective measures.

What should I do if I am in immediate danger in Ommen

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112. Police can respond quickly, separate parties, arrest a suspect, and contact the mayoral duty officer for a house ban if needed. Once safe, consider contacting Veilig Thuis for advice and safety planning and speak with a lawyer to secure longer term protection.

What is a temporary domestic exclusion order and who issues it

A temporary domestic exclusion order, often called a house ban, is an administrative order imposed by the mayor of Ommen when there is serious and immediate danger in a household. It lasts up to 10 days and can be extended to a maximum of 28 days. It removes the risky person from the home and forbids contact with household members. The person can challenge the order in court, but violating it can lead to arrest.

How do I get a restraining order from a court

Your lawyer can file an urgent civil case in summary proceedings to request a contact ban and area ban. You will need to explain the incidents, the current risk, and why lesser measures are not sufficient. Judges can rule quickly, sometimes within days, and can attach penalty payments for violations. Criminal courts can also impose contact or area bans as part of bail, probation, or sentencing.

What happens after I report domestic violence to the police

Police will record your report, assess the risk, collect evidence such as statements, messages, and medical records, and decide on immediate safety measures. The prosecutor evaluates whether to charge. Some offenses can proceed without a formal complaint, while others require a victim complaint. You can ask for a victim advocate and receive updates about key decisions. If charges are filed, you may be able to claim compensation in the criminal case.

What if children are involved

Police and Veilig Thuis will consider child safety in every step. The Child Protection Board can be asked to investigate. The court can order supervision by a youth protection agency, adapt contact arrangements, or order a temporary out-of-home placement if necessary. In family cases, parenting plans and custody decisions must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child.

Can I access a shelter and keep my location confidential

Yes. Victims can be referred to a secure shelter where addresses are confidential. Access is through Veilig Thuis or emergency services. Shelters provide safe accommodation, case management, legal and practical support, and can help with schooling, benefits, and long term housing. Confidentiality is taken seriously to prevent the perpetrator from finding you.

Can I get compensation for injuries or costs

You can seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Options include joining the criminal case as an injured party, starting a civil claim, and in qualifying violent crimes applying to the Violent Offences Compensation Fund. A lawyer can help you choose the best route and gather evidence such as medical reports, bills, and photos of injuries.

I am not a Dutch citizen. Will seeking help affect my residence status

If your residence is dependent on your relationship, special rules may allow you to keep or obtain an independent residence permit when the relationship ends due to domestic violence. Reporting and seeking help does not in itself jeopardize your status. Because immigration rules are technical, consult a lawyer experienced in both family and immigration law.

I have been accused of domestic violence. What are my rights

You have the right to remain silent, to consult a lawyer before and during police questioning, and to challenge a house ban or restraining order. Comply strictly with any contact or area bans. Provide your lawyer with evidence, messages, and potential witnesses. Early legal assistance can affect bail conditions, access to your home, and the long term outcome.

Additional Resources

Emergency services. Police and ambulance in immediate danger: 112.

Police non-emergency reporting and advice: 0900-8844.

Veilig Thuis IJsselland. National advice and reporting center for domestic violence and child abuse, available 24 hours for advice or to make a report: 0800-2000.

Slachtofferhulp Nederland. Free emotional support, practical help, and guidance in criminal proceedings: 0900-0101.

Centrum Seksueel Geweld. For recent sexual violence, get medical care, forensic evidence collection, and counseling: 0800-0188.

Het Juridisch Loket. Free first line legal information and referral, including on protective orders, divorce, and housing: 0800-8020.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. Information on eligibility for subsidized legal aid. Ask your lawyer or Het Juridisch Loket for screening and applications.

Gemeente Ommen. Municipal social team and crisis lines can help with housing, income support, and protection after violence. Ask for the social team or domestic violence contact point at the municipality.

Child Protection Board. For assessing child safety and advising courts on protective measures and contact arrangements.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Ensure immediate safety. If there is any risk of harm, call 112. Leave the location if you can do so safely. If you cannot leave, move to a room with an exit and avoid rooms with potential weapons.

Step 2 - Preserve evidence. Keep messages, emails, call logs, and screenshots. Photograph injuries and damaged property. Seek medical care and ask for a medical report. Tell your doctor what happened so it is recorded.

Step 3 - Get confidential advice. Call Veilig Thuis at 0800-2000 for risk assessment, safety planning, and access to shelter. They can coordinate with local services in Ommen and the IJsselland region.

Step 4 - Speak to a lawyer early. Contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, criminal law, and family law in the Overijssel region. Ask about emergency protective orders, contact bans, divorce or separation, and child safety. If costs are a concern, ask about subsidized legal aid.

Step 5 - Consider protective measures. Your lawyer can request a civil restraining order and coordinate with police for criminal contact bans. In high risk cases the mayor can impose a house ban. These measures can be arranged quickly, sometimes within days.

Step 6 - Plan longer term. Discuss housing, finances, work, and schooling for children. Arrange a safe address, change passwords, and review privacy settings. Your lawyer and support services can help you update official records and plan a safe transition.

This guide provides general information for Ommen and the Netherlands. Each situation is different. If you are uncertain about your options or deadlines, contact a lawyer or Veilig Thuis as soon as possible.