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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Voghera is governed by national Italian law and applied locally by the police, public prosecutor and courts that serve the Province of Pavia. Domestic violence covers physical violence, psychological and emotional abuse, sexual violence, stalking, economic control and other forms of repeated maltreatment that occur between family members, current or former partners, cohabitants and people in close relationships. Victims can be women, men, children or elderly relatives.
In practice, cases in Voghera are handled through a combination of criminal procedures, civil and family law measures, and social support services. Local hospitals and public health services provide medical care and medico-legal certificates that are frequently used as evidence. Local anti-violence services and municipal social services help with safety planning, shelter and referrals. If you face immediate danger you should contact emergency services right away.
A lawyer experienced in domestic violence and family law can help you understand your rights, choose the best legal path and represent you in criminal, civil or family court. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- When you want to file a criminal complaint or need help interacting with police and the public prosecutor.
- To request urgent protective measures such as removal of the aggressor from the family home, restrictions on approaching you or emergency restraining orders.
- During separation or divorce where violence affects child custody, visitation, maintenance or housing arrangements.
- To obtain compensation for physical or psychological harm, or to assist with insurance or civil claims.
- If you or the alleged aggressor face criminal charges and need criminal defence or victim representation.
- When you are a foreign national and need help with residence, protection visas, or ensuring access to services while your legal status is uncertain.
- To assess evidence, prepare medico-legal documentation, and coordinate with social services, healthcare providers and support organisations.
Domestic violence cases in Voghera use national Italian legislation applied by local authorities. Key aspects include:
- Criminal offences: The Italian Penal Code includes specific criminal offences that often arise in domestic violence cases. Article 572 covers maltreatment within the family and against cohabitants. Article 612-bis punishes stalking and repeated persecution. Sexual violence is addressed by Articles 609-bis and related sections. These offences can carry prison sentences and fines.
- Codice Rosso - Law No. 69/2019: This law introduced faster procedures for handling reports of domestic and gender-based violence. Law enforcement must take prompt action, and prosecutors prioritize rapid investigation and protection for the victim. The law also added new offences and increased penalties in some situations.
- Law No. 154/2001: This law provides measures specifically aimed at protecting victims of family violence, with a focus on prevention, assistance and protection. It supports local anti-violence centres and enables judicial and administrative interventions to protect victims.
- Urgent protective measures: In criminal proceedings, judges can order urgent measures such as removal of the alleged offender from the family home, prohibition to approach or contact the victim, and limitations on communication. Police chiefs can issue administrative warnings or "ammonimento" in some cases. In civil or family court, judges can take interim measures on custody, housing and access to the children.
- Medico-legal documentation: Medical reports and medico-legal evaluations are critical evidence. Local hospitals and emergency departments can issue documentation of injuries and help start a chain of evidence.
- Public prosecution: Many domestic violence offences are prosecuted by the public prosecutor. For serious offences there is often an automatic criminal investigation once a report is made. Victims are protected by procedures designed to minimize re-traumatization during interviews and hearings.
- Social and administrative supports: Municipal social services, local health authorities and anti-violence centres provide non-legal support, emergency shelter, counselling and referrals. These services are confidential and available even before legal steps are taken.
Domestic violence includes physical assault, threats, sexual violence, stalking, repeated psychological abuse, economic control that deprives someone of resources, and any conduct that causes physical or psychological harm within family or cohabiting relationships. Single incidents can be criminal if they meet elements of specific offences such as assault, sexual violence or stalking.
You can report violence to the police or Carabinieri in Voghera, to the local emergency number if you are in danger, or directly to the public prosecutor. Many victims first go to an emergency department or an anti-violence centre which can help make the report and preserve evidence.
Arrest depends on the severity of the conduct, available evidence, and whether there is an immediate risk to the victim. Police can apply urgent precautionary measures and forward the case to the prosecutor who decides on further measures. The Codice Rosso has accelerated some steps to increase victim protection.
Yes - judges can order removal of the alleged aggressor and prohibit them from returning to the family home as an interim criminal precautionary measure. In urgent situations police can request such measures from the public prosecutor. Family courts can also issue interim orders in civil proceedings.
Keep medical reports and photos of injuries, screenshots of threatening messages or calls, witness names and statements, police reports, communication logs and any documents showing economic control or threats. Secure copies and store them in a safe place or with a trusted person or lawyer.
Yes. Italy has a legal aid system called gratuito patrocinio that provides free or reduced-cost legal assistance to people below certain income thresholds. The Ordine degli Avvocati of Pavia can provide information about lawyers and legal aid. Anti-violence centres and social services also help victims navigate access to legal aid.
Foreign nationals have the same rights to protection. If you have residency or immigration concerns, a lawyer can advise on protections that affect your status. Many anti-violence centres and services offer interpreters or multilingual support. Police and courts can arrange interpreters for official proceedings where needed.
Courts decide custody based on the best interests of the children. Evidence of domestic violence is a serious factor and can affect custody, supervised visitation or the removal of parental rights in extreme cases. Bringing the issue to court through a lawyer and documenting the violence is important to protect both you and your children.
Timing varies. Criminal investigations and trials can take months to years, depending on the complexity and backlog of the courts. Codice Rosso aims to speed up initial investigations. Civil and family procedures for urgent measures can be faster, but final resolutions often take longer. A lawyer can advise on expected timelines for your specific case.
Yes. Victims can seek criminal compensation as part of criminal proceedings and can bring separate civil claims for compensation for physical, psychological and economic damages. A lawyer can help quantify damages and pursue appropriate legal remedies.
Emergency services - call the emergency number if you are in immediate danger.
National anti-violence helpline - Italy operates a national helpline for gender-based violence and stalking which provides confidential support and information.
Local police and Carabinieri stations in Voghera - for reporting crimes and seeking urgent protection.
Public prosecutor - the Procura della Repubblica at the Tribunal of Pavia handles criminal investigations in the area.
Municipal social services - the Comune of Voghera social services can help with local assistance, referrals and emergency housing.
Local health services and hospitals - emergency departments and medico-legal services provide treatment and documentation of injuries.
Anti-violence centres and shelters - local centres provide confidential support, counselling and refuge. They can also assist in contacting police and lawyers and preparing evidence.
Ordine degli Avvocati di Pavia - the local Bar Association can assist with lawyer referrals and information about free legal aid eligibility.
Step 1 - Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. Find a safe place and, if possible, tell a trusted person where you are.
Step 2 - Seek medical attention. Get medical care for any injuries and request a medico-legal report. This documentation is important for both health and legal reasons.
Step 3 - Preserve evidence. Save messages, photos, recordings, and any documents that show threats, coercion or economic control. Write down dates, times and witnesses while your memory is fresh.
Step 4 - Report the violence. You can file a complaint with police or Carabinieri, or ask an anti-violence centre to assist you in making the report. Inform them if children are involved.
Step 5 - Ask for immediate protection. Request urgent protective measures if you fear further harm. Police and prosecutors can request removal and no-contact orders quickly in many cases.
Step 6 - Contact a lawyer. Find a lawyer experienced in domestic violence and family law to advise on criminal and civil options, representation and legal aid.
Step 7 - Use local support services. Reach out to anti-violence centres, municipal social services, healthcare providers and shelters for emotional support, safety planning and practical help.
Step 8 - Plan for the longer term. A lawyer and social services can help with separation, custody, housing, financial protection and compensation claims to rebuild safety and stability.
Important note - This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and every case is different. Consult a qualified lawyer in Voghera or the Province of Pavia to discuss your specific situation and options.
