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This guide explains how sexual-offence matters are handled in and around Berikon, a municipality in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Swiss criminal law - in particular the Swiss Penal Code - governs sexual offences across all cantons. Investigations and prosecutions are led by cantonal authorities, while police at the local and cantonal level carry out initial investigations. Cases can involve complex factual and medical evidence, strong emotions, and serious legal consequences for both victims and people accused. The information here is intended to be factual and practical, and to help you understand options and next steps if you or someone you know is affected.
Sexual-offence matters often involve high stakes - potential criminal penalties, lasting reputational impact, and complex interactions between criminal, civil and family law. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:
- You have been accused of a sexual offence and face police questioning, prosecution or trial. A lawyer protects your rights, advises on statements to police, challenges evidence, and builds a defense.
- You are a victim of a sexual offence and want to report the matter to police, obtain compensation, or protect your privacy. A lawyer can explain your legal options, represent you in court and support claims for civil damages.
- You face parallel civil issues such as protection orders, custody or contact disputes that may be affected by criminal allegations.
- You need help understanding forensic and medical reports, preserving evidence, or coordinating with victim-support services.
- You seek guidance on how criminal proceedings proceed in the canton, how to apply for legal aid, or how to appeal a decision.
Key aspects of the legal framework that apply to Berikon include:
- Federal criminal law: Sexual offences are defined in the Swiss Penal Code. The code sets out offences such as sexual coercion and assault, rape, sexual abuse of minors, sexual exploitation, production and distribution of sexual images of minors and certain forms of sexual harassment. The precise elements of each offence depend on law and case law, including the concepts of consent, use of force, exploitation and the age of the other person.
- Age of consent: Switzerland generally sets the legal age of sexual consent at 16. Sexual activity with people under that age can be criminalized, and there are additional protections for young persons. There are also stricter rules when a person in a position of authority or trust is involved.
- Consent and incapacity: Consent must be given freely and voluntarily. Use of force, threats, deception, or sexual acts while a person is incapacitated (for example by alcohol or drugs) are frequent bases for criminal charges.
- Investigation and prosecution: Police in the canton of Aargau conduct investigations. The cantonal public prosecutor's office decides whether to bring charges. Victims can be treated as parties to criminal proceedings and may obtain victim support and legal representation.
- Medical and forensic evidence: Medical examinations and forensic evidence (for example DNA) can be crucial. Victims are encouraged to seek medical care promptly; an early exam helps preserve evidence and protects health.
- Penalties and measures: Convictions can lead to imprisonment, fines and criminal-record entries. Courts may also impose protective or therapeutic measures in appropriate cases. The exact sanctions depend on the offence and the individual case.
- Civil remedies and victim support: Victims can pursue civil claims for damages and may be eligible for state or cantonal victim support programs. Cantonal authorities provide support services and counselling.
First, find a safe place. If you are in immediate danger call the police - the emergency number in Switzerland is 117. Seek urgent medical attention both for injuries and to preserve forensic evidence. Try to avoid washing, changing clothes, eating or drinking before a medical examination if you intend to preserve evidence. Consider contacting a trusted person and a victim-support service. You can report to the police when you feel ready. A lawyer or victim-support counsellor can assist you through each step.
No. You can receive medical care and counselling without making a police report. Many hospitals and clinics will provide medical treatment and information on preserving evidence even if you have not filed a criminal complaint. Victim-support organisations can provide confidential advice and assistance without a formal police report.
If you are a suspect, you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. You should request a lawyer before answering substantive questions. You also have the right to an interpreter if you do not understand the language of questioning. Avoid making informal statements to police without advice from counsel, as such statements can be used in criminal proceedings.
Consent must be given freely and voluntarily. If consent is absent because of force, threats, deception, or because the person is incapacitated, the sexual act can amount to an offence. Legal interpretation can be fact-specific, so whether consent existed in a particular situation is decided by investigators and ultimately the court.
The police collect statements, secure medical and forensic evidence, and may interview witnesses. The cantonal public prosecutor evaluates whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges. Investigations can take weeks or months. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to the cantonal court. A lawyer can advise at each stage and represent you before the prosecutor and court.
Yes. Victims may be able to claim compensation from the offender in a civil suit, and in many cantons victim-support schemes can provide short-term assistance. Eligibility and procedures differ by canton. A lawyer or victim-support advisor can explain options and help prepare a compensation claim.
Convictions are part of a person’s criminal record. Access to criminal-record extracts is regulated, and in many situations only limited information is disclosed to third parties. Public media may report on cases, but privacy and defamation considerations apply. If you are concerned about publicity, discuss protective steps with a lawyer and victim-support services.
Yes. Criminal allegations of sexual misconduct can significantly affect family-law decisions, including custody and visitation. Courts consider the child’s best interests and safety. If allegations arise, involve a lawyer experienced in both criminal and family law to protect your rights and the child’s welfare.
Statutes of limitation vary by offence and can be legally complex. More serious sexual offences typically have longer limitation periods. In some cases involving minors or particularly serious harm, limitation rules may differ. Consult a lawyer promptly to understand deadlines that apply to your situation.
Look for criminal-law specialists in the canton of Aargau with experience in sexual-offence work. You can ask for recommendations from the cantonal bar association, local courts, or victim-support services. If you cannot afford a lawyer, inquire about unentgeltliche Rechtspflege - free legal aid - through the cantonal courts or the public defender system.
For help in Berikon and the canton of Aargau, consider these types of organisations and authorities:
- Kantonspolizei Aargau - for reporting crimes and immediate assistance from police.
- Staatsanwaltschaft des Kantons Aargau - the cantonal public prosecutor’s office which handles prosecutions.
- Opferhilfe Aargau or local victim-support centres - for confidential counselling, practical help and support through the criminal process.
- Medical emergency and forensic units at local hospitals - for treatment and evidence preservation.
- Kinder- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde - for matters involving the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.
- Cantonal bar association and criminal-law practitioners - to find experienced defence counsel or victim-representatives.
- Federal Office of Justice and the Swiss Penal Code - as the federal legal framework governing criminal offences.
If you need specific contact details or names of services, contact the cantonal police switchboard or a local social services office for guidance within the canton.
If you are a victim:
- Prioritise safety and medical care. If you are in immediate danger call the police - 117.
- Preserve evidence where possible and seek medical attention as soon as you can.
- Contact a victim-support organisation for confidential help and to learn about your options.
- Consider reporting to the police when you are ready - you can bring a lawyer or support person to any interview.
If you are accused:
- Do not speak to police without legal advice. Request a lawyer and an interpreter if needed.
- Preserve documents and any communication that may be relevant to your defense and give this to your lawyer.
For both victims and accused:
- Seek legal advice promptly. Time limits, evidence preservation and procedural rules are important and vary by case.
- Ask about legal aid if you cannot afford private counsel.
- Keep a record of dates, contacts, medical visits and any communications related to the incident.
Sexual-offence matters are serious and emotionally taxing. Professional legal advice and victim-support services can help you navigate the criminal process, protect your rights and access needed support. If you are unsure where to start, contact the cantonal police or a local victim-support centre for immediate guidance and referrals to legal help.
