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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Viby is treated under the same national laws and local services that apply across Denmark. Violence or threats between people in close relationships - spouses, partners, former partners, cohabitants, family members or people who live together - can be criminally prosecuted as assault, threats, sexual offences or stalking under the Danish Criminal Code - Straffeloven. Victims are entitled to immediate protection, medical treatment, and support from police and municipal social services. Local crisis centres and specialised victim support organisations can provide shelter, counselling and legal guidance. Cases involving children also trigger child welfare assessments by the municipality.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, explain the legal options available, and represent you in interactions with police, prosecutors, courts and social services. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- Filing or responding to criminal charges - either as a victim seeking to press charges or as a person accused of violence.
- Applying for civil protection such as a restraining order - tilhold - or enforcement of that order.
- Protection of children - custody, visitation and emergency interim orders to secure a child s safety.
- Divorce, separation and property issues that arise from a violent relationship, including emergency housing needs.
- Seeking financial compensation from the perpetrator or from state victim compensation schemes.
- Cases that involve immigration or residence-permit consequences, where violence may affect a foreign national s immigration status.
- Collecting and preserving evidence, advising on interactions with police and prosecutors, and representing you at hearings and trial.
Key legal points relevant to domestic violence in Viby include the following:
- Criminalisation - Physical assault, sexual violence, threats, stalking and unlawful deprivation of liberty are criminal offences under the Danish Criminal Code. The state prosecutes violent crimes and can impose penalties such as fines, probation, imprisonment and restraining conditions.
- Police protection - Police can take immediate steps to secure safety, including removing an alleged perpetrator from a home in urgent situations and responding to calls for assistance. Emergency assistance should be sought by calling the national emergency number 112.
- Restraining orders - Courts can issue civil protection orders to prevent contact or approach - commonly referred to as tilhold or contact bans. These orders can set distance limits, prohibit communication, and be enforced by police.
- Prosecution and evidence - After a police report, the public prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. Medical records, witness statements, photos of injuries, messages and other documentation are commonly used as evidence.
- Child protection - If children are involved, municipal social services in Aarhus Municipality will assess the child s safety and may take steps under child welfare laws to protect the child, including temporary placement if necessary.
- Civil remedies - Victims can seek divorce, separation, emergency housing, child custody orders and financial claims in family and civil courts. Victim compensation schemes may provide financial support for medical costs, counselling and loss of earnings in some cases.
- Legal aid - People with limited means may qualify for free legal assistance through Denmark s legal aid arrangements such as fri proces or through municipal support for urgent matters. Defendants in criminal matters have a right to legal representation in many situations.
If you are in immediate danger call 112. If it is not an immediate emergency, contact the local police to file a report. Move to a safe place if possible - a friend s house, family member or a crisis centre - and seek medical attention for any injuries.
Report violence to the police. You can call the emergency number 112 for urgent help or contact the local police station for non-urgent reports. Provide as many details as possible and save any evidence such as photos, messages and medical reports.
In urgent situations police can take measures to protect victims, including removing the alleged perpetrator from the residence or issuing immediate protections. The police and courts can also seek full restraining orders if needed.
A restraining order - often called tilhold - is a court order that forbids the perpetrator from contacting or approaching you. You can ask the police or a lawyer to help apply for a restraining order. The court decides whether to grant it based on the evidence and circumstances.
Not always. After a police report the public prosecutor reviews the evidence and decides whether to press charges. Factors include severity of the offence, evidence quality and victim cooperation. Even if the prosecutor does not bring charges, civil remedies and protective measures may still be available.
Important evidence includes medical records, photos of injuries, police reports, witness statements, text messages or emails, voice messages, and any other documented threats or abusive behaviour. Keep a record of incidents with dates and times.
Victims may be eligible for compensation from the perpetrator through civil claims or from state victim compensation schemes in Denmark. A lawyer can advise on eligible claims and help apply for compensation where appropriate.
Domestic violence is a significant factor in custody and visitation decisions. Courts and municipal child welfare services prioritise the child s safety. If there is a risk to the child or parent, courts may limit or supervise contact, order emergency measures, or award custody to the other parent or a guardian.
If you are accused, seek legal advice immediately. You have rights during police questioning and at court. A lawyer can advise you about the criminal process, evidence, possible defences and how to protect your legal interests, including in related civil matters.
Municipal social services can help with crisis planning, housing and counselling. Local crisis centres - krisecentre - provide shelter and support. National and local victim support organisations offer counselling and practical assistance. A lawyer or victim adviser can help refer you to appropriate services.
Below are types of organisations and authorities that can help someone seeking legal advice or immediate assistance in Viby:
- Police - for emergency response and to file criminal reports.
- Aarhus Municipality social services - for child protection, family support, housing assistance and counselling services in Viby.
- Local crisis centres - krisecentre - offering emergency shelter and counselling for victims of domestic violence.
- National and local victim support organisations - groups that provide practical support, information and emotional counselling.
- Danner and other NGOs that specialise in support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Victim compensation schemes and social service advisers who can explain financial support options.
- The Danish Bar and Law Society - for finding qualified lawyers and information about legal aid schemes such as fri proces and free legal clinics like Advokatvagten.
- Healthcare providers - hospitals and general practitioners for medical treatment and documentation of injuries.
If you need legal assistance in Viby, consider the following steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - call 112 in emergencies. If safe, move to a secure location and seek medical care for any injuries.
- Contact the police to file a report and ask about immediate protective measures. Ask for documentation of the report and information about next steps in the criminal process.
- Preserve evidence - keep photos, messages, medical records, and a written log of incidents with dates and times.
- Reach out to municipal social services in Aarhus Municipality for help with child protection, housing, and counselling if children are involved or you need emergency shelter.
- Seek legal advice early. Use free legal clinics such as Advokatvagten if you need an initial consultation, or contact a lawyer experienced in criminal law and family law to represent you and help apply for restraining orders, compensation or custody protections.
- Consider practical safety planning - change locks if possible, inform trusted neighbours or employers, and set up emergency contacts. A local crisis centre or victim adviser can help create a safety plan.
- Keep a record of all contacts with police, social services, medical providers and legal advisers. Bring ID, any relevant documents and any evidence you have to meetings with lawyers or advisers.
Domestic violence situations are serious and often complex. Prompt action to secure safety, document incidents and obtain legal advice improves your options and protection. If you are unsure where to start, contact the police for immediate assistance and ask to be referred to victim support services and municipal social services for next-step help in Viby.
