Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Sassuolo

About Domestic Violence Law in Sassuolo, Italy

Domestic violence in Sassuolo is treated under Italian national law and enforced locally by the police, public prosecutor and courts in the Province of Modena. Cases that occur in Sassuolo are handled like other Italian municipalities - criminal offences involving physical, psychological, sexual or economic abuse may lead to urgent criminal proceedings, protective measures and civil remedies such as separation and custody decisions. Local social services, health services and anti-violence centers in the Modena area work with law enforcement to offer immediate support, medical care and shelter when needed.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help at every stage - from deciding whether to report the abuse to representing you in criminal and civil proceedings. Common situations where legal help is useful include:

- You want to report ongoing violence and need help preparing a complaint or working with police and the public prosecutor.

- You need urgent protective measures - for example removal of the alleged offender from the home, prohibition of approaching you or your children, or electronic monitoring requests.

- You are facing criminal charges but believe you acted in self-defense or need to challenge the allegations.

- You need help with family law matters arising from violence - separation, divorce, child custody, visitation and financial support.

- You want to preserve and present evidence - medical reports, photos, messages and witness statements - to strengthen a criminal case or a civil claim for damages.

- You need advice on accessing social and housing services, or on requesting emergency shelter and protection for children.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal instruments and principles that commonly apply to domestic violence cases in Sassuolo include:

- Criminal law provisions: Abuse within the family can be prosecuted under specific Penal Code provisions for maltreatment of family members and cohabitants, as well as offences for sexual violence and personal injury. Stalking and persecutory conduct are criminalised and often appear alongside domestic violence cases.

- Codice Rosso reforms: Law No. 69/2019 - known as Codice Rosso - introduced faster police and prosecutorial procedures, mandatory rapid investigation of certain reports and new protections for victims. This law increased speed of intervention and strengthened measures such as immediate protective orders.

- Measures against family violence: Law No. 154/2001 and subsequent updates provide for special protections and services for victims of family violence, including access to shelters, counselling and social support coordinated by local authorities.

- Criminal and civil protective measures: Courts and prosecutors can seek urgent measures such as removal of the alleged offender from the family home, orders prohibiting contact or approach, custodial restrictions, and restraining provisions. These may be issued in criminal proceedings or sought in civil/family court as part of separation and custody disputes.

- Public prosecution: Many domestic violence offences are prosecuted by the public prosecutor without the need for a private complaint. This means the state can pursue criminal charges even if the victim does not ask for prosecution, although the victim’s statements and cooperation are often pivotal.

- Legal aid: If you cannot afford a lawyer you may be eligible for legal assistance paid by the state - gratuito patrocinio - subject to income thresholds and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of behaviour count as domestic violence?

Domestic violence covers physical assault, threats, psychological abuse, sexual violence, economic control or deprivation, stalking and other patterns of coercive behaviour between family members, spouses, partners or cohabitants. Repeated or isolated serious acts can both be the basis for criminal and civil action.

Should I call the police or go directly to a lawyer?

If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number - 112. Police can obtain urgent protective measures and record injuries. You can contact a lawyer as soon as possible for advice about your rights, evidence preservation and follow-up legal steps after you report the violence.

Will the abuser be arrested immediately?

Arrest depends on the circumstances and the nature of the offence. In clear cases of ongoing violence or where a crime has just been committed, police can detain the alleged offender. In other cases prosecutors may open an investigation and seek precautionary measures from a judge, such as removal from the home or a ban on approaching the victim.

Can I get an order to remove the abuser from our home?

Yes. Courts and prosecutors can request measures that remove the alleged perpetrator from the family home or prohibit contact and proximity to the victim. These are urgent measures intended to protect safety while criminal or civil proceedings continue.

What evidence should I collect?

Keep medical reports and hospital records, photos of injuries or damaged property, screenshots of abusive messages or calls, call logs, witness contact details and police reports. Preserve anything that documents repeated behaviour or threats. A lawyer can advise how best to gather and present evidence in court while protecting your safety and privacy.

What happens to custody or visitation if children are involved?

Court decisions about custody and visitation will prioritise children’s safety. If there is evidence that a parent is violent or poses a risk, the court can order supervised contact, limit or suspend visitation, or grant custody arrangements that protect the child. Social services and child protection units in the ASL may also be involved to assess the child’s needs.

Can I obtain compensation for the harm I suffered?

Yes. Victims can pursue civil claims for damages against the perpetrator for physical and psychological harm, financial losses and harm to reputation. Criminal courts sometimes order the offender to pay compensation as part of the criminal sentence too. A lawyer can advise on timing and strategy for civil claims alongside criminal proceedings.

How much will a lawyer cost and can I get free legal help?

Fees vary by lawyer and the complexity of the case. If you have limited income you may qualify for gratuito patrocinio - state-funded legal aid - which covers lawyer fees and court costs subject to eligibility checks. Many local anti-violence centres and social services can also refer you to low-cost or pro bono legal help.

Are my reports kept confidential?

Authorities treat statements about domestic violence sensitively, but some information must be shared with courts, prosecutors and related agencies to protect safety and pursue criminal charges. Anti-violence centres and some counselling services offer confidential support. Discuss confidentiality concerns with a lawyer or the service you contact.

Where can I go immediately in Sassuolo if I need help?

For immediate danger call 112. For medical help go to the nearest emergency department. For support and shelter contact local anti-violence centres and social services in the Province of Modena. The police stations, Carabinieri and local health services work with civic bodies to arrange urgent accommodation and social assistance when needed.

Additional Resources

When seeking help in Sassuolo, consider these local and national resources for legal, medical and social assistance:

- Emergency services - call 112 in situations of immediate danger.

- Local police and Carabinieri stations in Sassuolo - to file a report or seek urgent intervention.

- Procura della Repubblica and Tribunale di Modena - the public prosecutor and court that handle criminal and family proceedings in the area.

- AUSL/Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena - health services and hospital emergency departments for medical treatment and certificates of injury.

- Centri antiviolenza and womens support services operating in the Province of Modena - for counselling, shelter and case coordination.

- Ordine degli Avvocati di Modena - for lawyer referrals and information on legal aid eligibility.

- The national anti-violence helpline - reachable in Italy for information and referral to local services. Also consider contacting local municipal social services at Comune di Sassuolo for immediate social support and information.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance regarding domestic violence in Sassuolo, consider this action plan:

- If you are in immediate danger call 112 now.

- Seek medical attention for any injuries and request a medical report - it is important evidence.

- Report the incident to the police or Carabinieri so an official record is created and urgent protective measures can be evaluated.

- Contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, criminal and family law. Ask about urgent protective measures, filing criminal complaints, and civil remedies such as separation and claims for damages.

- Preserve evidence - photographs, messages, call logs, medical records and witness details. Store copies in a safe place or with a trusted person.

- Reach out to local anti-violence centres and social services for counselling, safety planning and shelter options.

- If you cannot afford a lawyer, investigate eligibility for stato-paid legal aid - gratuito patrocinio - through the Ordine degli Avvocati or a local legal aid office.

Taking these steps can protect your safety and preserve legal options. If you are unsure where to start, contact emergency services or a local anti-violence centre and ask for practical guidance and referrals to legal help in the Modena-Sassuolo area.