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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Tavannes is treated under the Swiss legal system, with responsibilities shared between federal criminal law, cantonal authorities and local services. Tavannes lies in the canton of Bern, in a predominantly French-speaking region, and victims have access to local police, cantonal prosecuting authorities and specialised victim-support organisations. Conduct that causes physical harm, psychological harm, sexual harm, threats, stalking or severe deprivation of liberty within family or intimate relationships can be dealt with as criminal offences or through civil procedures that provide protection and separation between the parties.
The law aims to protect victims quickly and to hold perpetrators accountable. Immediate safety is the priority in urgent cases - the police can intervene, open a criminal investigation and take temporary protective measures. Beyond immediate action, victims may pursue criminal charges, civil protection measures, and family law remedies such as divorce, custody decisions and provisional financial support.
Domestic violence cases often involve complex legal, practical and emotional issues. A lawyer can help you understand and use the legal tools available in Tavannes and in the canton of Bern. Common situations where legal help is valuable include:
- You want to report physical assault, threats, stalking or sexual violence and need guidance about criminal complaints and cooperating with public prosecutors.
- You need a protection order or other immediate legal measure to keep an abusive person away from you or from a shared home.
- You are planning separation or divorce and need to arrange custody, visitation, alimony and division of assets with attention to safety risks.
- There are immigration, residence permit or cross-border issues related to the abusive relationship.
- You need help gathering and preserving evidence that will support criminal or civil proceedings.
- You seek compensation for injuries, loss of income or damage to property.
- You require legal representation in court hearings, negotiations with police or public prosecutors, or mediation with the other party.
Key aspects that are particularly relevant in Tavannes and the canton of Bern include:
- Criminal framework - Swiss criminal law criminalises violence, serious threats, sexual offences, coercion and stalking. Offences can be prosecuted by the public prosecutor and may lead to penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
- Police powers - Local police and the cantonal police can intervene immediately to secure the scene, take statements, document injuries and remove or temporarily exclude the alleged aggressor from the shared residence if necessary for safety.
- Protection measures - Victims can request protective measures such as restraining or exclusion orders through criminal procedures or emergency police action. Civil courts can also issue interim measures in family law proceedings to protect victims and children.
- Family law - Divorce and custody matters are handled under Swiss family law. Courts assess child best-interests and safety concerns when deciding custody and visitation. Protective arrangements, supervised visitation and restrictions are possible where risk is established.
- Victim support - Canton-level victim assistance services provide practical and psychological help, counselling and information about legal options and social services. These services help victims navigate criminal proceedings and access shelters.
- Legal aid and costs - If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for cantonal legal aid. Eligibility and procedures are managed by cantonal authorities in Bern and require financial disclosure.
Domestic violence includes physical assault, threats, sexual violence, stalking, controlling behaviour, severe emotional abuse and other actions that harm a partner, family member or household member. It can be a single act or a pattern of behaviour. Swiss law and local services treat these behaviours seriously and provide criminal and civil remedies.
Yes. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call the local emergency number to reach the police. The police will prioritise safety, can separate parties, record evidence, and start criminal procedures if an offence has occurred. For non-urgent matters you can still contact the local police station to report incidents and obtain advice.
Whether an arrest occurs depends on the circumstances and severity of the incident. Police can detain a person if there is an immediate threat, if an offence has been committed, or if detention is necessary to secure an investigation. Many domestic violence offences are prosecuted by the public prosecutor even without a private complaint by the victim.
Emergency protective steps can be taken by police. Longer-term protective orders are typically obtained through criminal procedures or civil courts. A lawyer or victim-support service can explain the available orders, help prepare applications and coordinate with prosecutors or judges to secure protection.
Preserve any physical evidence - photographs of injuries, torn clothing, damaged property. Seek medical attention and ask for a medical record or report. Save messages, emails, social-media posts and voicemails. Note dates, times and witnesses. File a police report as soon as possible so the incident is officially documented.
It depends on the situation and legal remedies. Police can sometimes remove the abusive person temporarily or the court may issue an exclusion order to keep the abusive person away from the residence. Civil courts handling separation or divorce can make interim residence decisions. A lawyer can advise on the best path to protect your housing rights and safety.
Courts make custody and visitation decisions based on the best interest and safety of the child. Evidence of domestic violence will be taken seriously and can affect who gains custody, whether visitation is supervised and what conditions are imposed. The welfare and protection of children are primary considerations.
Legal services normally carry fees. If you cannot afford a lawyer, cantonal legal aid may be available. Eligibility is assessed according to your financial situation. Victim-assistance organisations can also help you find free or low-cost legal counselling and support while you consider next steps.
Some serious offences are prosecuted by public prosecutors regardless of whether the victim wishes to press charges. Even if you withdraw a private complaint, the prosecutor may continue the case if they believe public interest or safety requires it. Discuss the implications with a lawyer or victim-support service before deciding.
Non-Swiss residents have access to police protection, emergency services and courts. Immigration issues can complicate the situation, especially where residence permits depend on a partner. Seek specialised legal advice about immigration, protection and family law to avoid unintended consequences. Victim-support organisations often provide guidance for people with foreign nationality.
For help in Tavannes and the canton of Bern consider contacting the following types of organisations and bodies:
- Local police station in Tavannes - for emergency protection and to file reports.
- Kantonspolizei Bern - cantonal police resources and victim liaison services.
- Opferhilfe Kanton Bern - victim support services offering counselling, legal information and assistance navigating criminal procedures.
- Local women shelters and domestic violence shelters - provide safe accommodation and practical help.
- Family and social services in the municipality of Tavannes - social workers can coordinate support measures for families and children.
- Cantonal legal aid office - for information about eligibility and application for legal representation funded by the canton of Bern.
- Local bar associations and lawyers specialising in family and criminal law - for professional legal advice and representation.
- Health services and emergency medical care - for treatment and medical documentation of injuries.
- Non-governmental organisations working on gender-based violence and victim protection - for counselling, advocacy and practical support.
If you are currently in danger - act now. Call the police and seek immediate help from local emergency services. Your safety is the first priority.
If you are not in immediate danger but need legal advice - take the following steps:
- Document what has happened - dates, times, injuries, witnesses and communications. Preserve messages, photos and medical records.
- Contact the local police in Tavannes to report incidents and obtain an official record. Even if you do not want criminal charges, a police report is crucial for other legal steps.
- Reach out to victim-support services in the canton of Bern for counselling, safety planning and information about shelters and resources.
- Schedule a consultation with a lawyer who specialises in domestic violence, family law or criminal defence. Prepare to bring identification, copies of any police reports, medical records and relevant communications.
- Ask about legal aid and costs during the first consultation if you are concerned about affordability.
- If you share a home with the abuser and safety is a concern, discuss options for emergency exclusion or temporary housing with police, social services and your lawyer.
- Keep a safety plan - identify safe places, trusted contacts, and a packed bag with documents and essentials if you need to leave quickly.
Getting support is both a legal and personal journey. You do not have to navigate it alone - local police, victim-support organisations and qualified lawyers in the canton of Bern are there to help you through immediate safety measures and longer-term legal steps.
