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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, psychological, verbal and economic abuse between people who are or were in an intimate or family relationship. In Wohlen, as elsewhere in Switzerland, domestic violence is addressed under federal criminal law and by cantonal enforcement and social measures. Victims can seek immediate protection from the police, file criminal charges, and ask civil courts for family-law remedies such as divorce, custody decisions and financial support. Local authorities and victim-support services in the Canton of Aargau assist with safety planning, medical care, counselling and legal steps.
A lawyer with experience in domestic violence and family law can protect your rights and help you navigate criminal, civil and administrative procedures. Common situations where you may need legal help include:
- Seeking a protection order or contact ban - lawyers help draft applications and represent you in court.
- Filing criminal complaints or participating in criminal proceedings - lawyers can advise on evidence, victim rights and interaction with prosecutors.
- Divorce, separation and division of assets - a lawyer ensures your financial and legal interests are protected.
- Child custody, access and child protection proceedings - these matters are complex and often urgent; legal advice can focus on the children"s safety and legal rights.
- Housing issues - expulsion from a shared home, tenancy disputes or emergency relocation often require legal intervention.
- Claims for compensation, maintenance or victim support - lawyers can advise you on financial relief and how to apply for cantonal or federal support.
- Immigration or residence-permit concerns - if your permit depends on a partner, legal counsel can explain options and help avoid unexpected consequences.
- If you are accused of domestic violence - criminal defence counsel is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair procedure.
Key legal elements relevant to domestic violence in Wohlen include:
- Criminal offences - assault, threats, coercion, sexual offences, stalking and repeated harassment are criminal offences under the Swiss Criminal Code. Allegations can lead to police investigation and prosecution by the public prosecutor.
- Immediate police protection - police in Canton Aargau can take immediate measures to protect a victim - for example, separating the parties, imposing temporary contact or residence bans, and referring cases to the public prosecutor or social services.
- Protective and restraining measures - cantonal courts can order longer-term contact bans, house bans and other protective measures to keep the alleged perpetrator away from the victim and the family home.
- Family law remedies - civil courts handle divorce, custody, parental authority, child maintenance and spousal maintenance. Courts consider violence and the best interests of the child in custody and access decisions.
- Victim support and compensation - victims can receive practical and psychological support from cantonal victim services and may be eligible for financial compensation or emergency aid through cantonal schemes.
- Child protection - if children are affected, youth welfare authorities intervene to protect the child"s well-being. Professionals working with children may have reporting duties in cases of serious risk.
- Legal aid - people with limited means can apply for cantonal legal aid - "unentgeltliche Rechtspflege" - to obtain free or subsidised legal representation in civil and criminal matters.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police emergency number 117. If you need urgent medical help, call 144. If you can leave safely, go to a secure place - a friend"s or family member"s home, a public place or a shelter. Ask the police about immediate protective measures and contact a victim-support service for help with next steps.
Yes. Police in Canton Aargau can take immediate measures to secure safety - for example, by separating the parties and imposing temporary bans on contact or presence at the shared home. For longer-term measures you or the prosecutor can ask a court to order a restraining order or house ban.
You can report the abuse to the police and request a protective measure. The public prosecutor or a civil court can also issue orders such as contact bans or house bans. A lawyer or victim-support organisation can help you prepare the request and represent you in court.
Police and prosecutors are trained to investigate allegations. Statements, medical records, photos of injuries, messages, witness statements and other evidence help support your case. Victim-support services can guide you in documenting and preserving evidence.
Yes. Criminal proceedings and family-law proceedings are separate. You can press criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator and simultaneously start civil proceedings for divorce, custody or maintenance. A lawyer can coordinate both processes to protect your legal interests.
Child protection authorities assess the children"s safety. If there is serious danger, youth welfare services may take emergency measures and arrange alternative accommodation. Courts decide on custody and parental authority with the child"s best interests as the guiding principle. Lawyers and child-protection professionals can explain options and support you.
Apply for cantonal legal aid - "unentgeltliche Rechtspflege". If you qualify because of low income and limited assets, the canton may cover or subsidise legal fees. Victim-support organisations also provide free initial advice and can point you to pro bono or subsidised legal services.
Reporting abuse does not automatically mean loss of your residence permit. However, immigration issues can be complex if your permit depends on your partner. Seek legal advice from a lawyer experienced in immigration and family law to understand your options and rights.
Victims may claim compensation for bodily injury, material damage and pain and suffering in civil proceedings. Cantonal victim-support services can also provide emergency financial assistance and help you apply for compensation through public schemes.
If you are accused, seek immediate legal advice. Do not discuss details with police without counsel. A criminal defence lawyer will explain the charges, evidence, possible defences and the procedural steps. If there are protection orders against you, comply with them to avoid further legal consequences.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence in Wohlen, consider contacting these types of local resources:
- Emergency services - police (117) and medical emergency (144).
- Kantonspolizei Aargau - for reporting incidents and immediate protection.
- Cantonal victim support - for practical help, counselling and information about compensation and legal steps.
- Women"s shelters and crisis accommodation - safe housing for people leaving violent situations.
- Social services in Gemeinde Wohlen - for social assistance, housing and family support.
- Legal aid offices - to apply for subsidised legal representation under the cantonal legal-aid scheme.
- Child and youth welfare services - for protection and support when children are affected.
- Health services - emergency departments, general practitioners and specialists for documenting and treating injuries and for psychological care.
- Counselling centres and helplines - for emotional support, safety planning and referrals to lawyers or shelters.
1. Prioritise safety - if you are in immediate danger call 117. If possible, move to a safe place and keep a charged mobile phone.
2. Preserve evidence - if safe to do so, keep messages, take photos of injuries and property damage, keep medical reports and write a dated account of incidents while your memory is fresh.
3. Report the incident - contact Kantonspolizei Aargau to make a formal complaint and ask about immediate protective measures.
4. Seek medical care - get medical attention for injuries and ask for documentation of wounds and treatment.
5. Contact victim-support services - they provide practical help, counselling and guidance through legal and social procedures.
6. Consult a lawyer - find a lawyer experienced in domestic violence and family law to advise on criminal charges, protection orders, divorce, custody and financial claims. Ask about legal aid if you have limited means.
7. Plan for housing and finances - involve social services or a shelter if you need emergency accommodation, and get advice on emergency financial support.
8. Protect children - if children are affected, inform child-protection authorities and seek guidance on their safety and legal status.
9. Follow up - keep contact with your lawyer and victim-support worker, attend hearings and medical appointments, and update authorities if circumstances change.
10. Take care of yourself - seek psychological support, counselling and trusted personal help. Recovery often involves practical, legal and emotional steps taken over time.
