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Sex crimes in Chur are prosecuted under Swiss federal criminal law, with police and public prosecutors in the Canton of Graubünden handling investigations and court proceedings locally. The Swiss Criminal Code criminalizes a range of sexual offences - including sexual coercion and assault, rape, sexual acts with minors, sexual exploitation, and production or distribution of sexual material involving children. Procedures and victims rights are implemented at the cantonal level, so police responses, victim support and local court practices are shaped by Graubünden authorities and institutions based in Chur.
Whether you are a person who believes you have been a victim, or you are accused of an offence, the process can involve immediate police action, forensic procedures, criminal investigation by the Staatsanwaltschaft - the public prosecutor - and possibly a trial. Both victims and accused persons have legal rights during the criminal process - including the right to a lawyer, the right to an interpreter if you do not speak the local language, and rights related to evidence and appeal.
Legal advice is important early in any case involving sexual offences. Common situations where people need a lawyer include:
- If you are a victim and want to understand your criminal-reporting options, ask for a protective order or seek compensation for harm. A lawyer can advise you on procedural choices and help protect your privacy and safety.
- If you are accused of a sex crime, you should secure a criminal defence lawyer experienced in sexual-offence cases immediately. Early legal involvement helps protect rights, control the collection of evidence, and develop defence strategy.
- If the case involves a minor, either as victim or accused, specialised legal help is essential because juvenile-procedure rules, mandatory reporting duties and confidentiality rules may apply.
- Where the alleged conduct happened online or across borders - for example involving foreign victims or servers abroad - you may need counsel with cybercrime and international-law experience.
- If there are immigration, employment or civil-law consequences - for example deportation risk, workplace proceedings or claims for damages - a lawyer can co-ordinate criminal and civil responses.
- If you need legal aid, help applying for free or reduced-cost legal representation, or guidance on court procedures and victim-compensation systems.
Key legal points relevant to sex crime matters in Chur include:
- Federal framework - Criminal provisions are set out in the Swiss Criminal Code and apply throughout Switzerland. The canton enforces and prosecutes offences, so local police and the Staatsanwaltschaft Graubünden play the practical role in Chur.
- Definition of offences - Offences cover a spectrum from sexual harassment and coercion to rape, sexual acts with minors, exploitation, trafficking for sexual purposes and child sexual abuse material. Consent and the capacity to consent are central legal concepts.
- Age of consent - Swiss law establishes age thresholds for lawful sexual activity. Sexual acts with persons below applicable age thresholds can lead to criminal liability irrespective of claimed consent.
- Criminal procedure - Prosecutions are generally initiated by public prosecutors. Victims can report offences to the police and may be recognised as parties in the criminal process to pursue compensation. Investigations can include witness interviews, searches, seizure of electronic devices and forensic medical exams.
- Victim protection - Victims can request protective measures - for example temporary restraining measures, contact prohibitions or exclusion orders - and can receive support services. Courts may also impose orders on accused persons during and after proceedings.
- Penalties and preventive measures - Convictions can result in fines, imprisonment, and in some cases additional measures such as mandatory treatment, supervision or placement. The severity of punishment depends on the offence and circumstances.
- Statute of limitations - Time limits for prosecuting crimes vary by offence and seriousness. Some severe sexual offences carry longer limitation periods or different rules. Consult a lawyer promptly if you are considering reporting an older event.
- Confidentiality and language - Proceedings in Chur will normally be in German. Non-German speakers have the right to an interpreter. Victims and accused persons may also have confidentiality protections, but public-interest considerations can make parts of a case public.
- Juvenile justice - Special rules apply for minors, focusing more on education and rehabilitation and less on punishment. Professionals dealing with minors may have reporting obligations.
Sex crimes include acts that violate sexual autonomy or exploit sexual activity - for example sexual assault, rape, coercion, sexual activity with persons below legal age thresholds, grooming, exploitation, sexual trafficking and possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material. Context matters - consent, age, use of force or threats, and the victim's capacity to consent are key factors.
Prioritise your safety - get to a safe place and call emergency services if you are in danger. Preserve evidence - avoid showering, changing clothes or deleting messages if possible. Consider medical attention for injuries and for testing related to sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. Report the incident to the police when you are ready and contact victim-support services for emotional and practical help. Seek legal advice early to understand options and to request protective measures.
Reporting an assault does not automatically lead to your arrest. Police will investigate the allegation. Arrest decisions depend on the evidence and the prosecutor's assessment - for example if there is a risk of flight, of further offences, or of obstructing the investigation. If you are worried about your own legal position, contact a lawyer before giving a statement.
Anonymous reports may be accepted by police for initial information, but anonymous reporting limits the ability to investigate, collect testimony and proceed with charges. If you want police protection or to be an active participant in proceedings, you will normally need to provide contact information. Victim-support services can help you understand confidentiality options.
Victims have rights to be informed about the progress of the case, to receive protection measures, to be heard and to seek compensation through criminal or civil procedures. They may be allowed to participate as a private party to claim damages. Victims also generally have the right to an interpreter if needed and to receive information about available support services.
Timing varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, number of witnesses, need for forensic testing and court schedules. Some investigations are resolved quickly; others may take months or longer. Serious cases or those with cross-border elements often take more time. A lawyer can provide a realistic timeline for your case.
Penalties depend on the offence and circumstances and can range from fines to multi-year imprisonment. Courts can also impose protective measures such as mandatory therapy, supervision or restrictions on contact with certain people. The presence of violence, abuse of trust, repeat offences or involvement of minors generally leads to more severe penalties.
Cases involving minors are handled with special care. Age thresholds for lawful sexual activity exist, and sexual contact with persons below those ages can be criminal even if 'consensual'. Juvenile procedure and protective measures focus on the child or young person's best interests, rehabilitation and protection. Adults who exploit minors face strict penalties.
Yes - victims can request protective measures to stop contact or remove an alleged offender from a shared residence. Police and prosecutors can also take immediate measures if there is an imminent danger. Courts can issue longer-term prohibitions as part of criminal or civil proceedings. A lawyer or victim-support service can assist in applying for these measures.
Look for criminal defence lawyers or victim-advocate lawyers who list sexual offences and criminal procedure among their specialities and who have experience in Graubünden courts. Ask about courtroom experience, approach to sensitive cases, language skills and fees. If you cannot afford a lawyer, inquire about legal aid - the cantonal legal-aid office can explain eligibility for free or subsidised representation.
The following types of local and national resources can help people in Chur who need legal or practical support:
- Cantonal police - for reporting crimes and requesting urgent assistance. Emergency numbers in Switzerland include 117 for police and 144 for ambulance.
- Staatsanwaltschaft Graubünden - the public prosecutor handles investigations and can explain procedural steps.
- Opferhilfe Graubünden - victim-support services provide emotional support, practical assistance and information about victim rights and protective measures.
- Women shelters and crisis centres - support for people facing violence or who need safe accommodation.
- Child protection services and specialised youth counselling - for cases involving minors.
- Local criminal defence and victim-lawyers - attorneys specialising in sexual-offence cases, criminal procedure and victim compensation.
- Cantonal legal-aid office - information on how to apply for free or reduced-cost legal representation.
- Medical and forensic services at hospitals - for evidence collection, medical care and documentation.
If you need legal assistance in Chur regarding a sex-crime matter, consider the following steps:
- Ensure your immediate safety - move to a safe place, contact emergency services if needed, and involve trusted friends or family if appropriate.
- Seek medical attention - regardless of whether you will lodge a criminal complaint, a medical exam can treat injuries and preserve evidence.
- Preserve evidence - keep clothing, electronic messages and other potential evidence in an unaltered state. Make notes about dates, times, places and witnesses while memories are fresh.
- Contact the police to report the incident when you are ready. You can also contact victim-support organisations first for guidance before reporting.
- Get legal advice - contact a lawyer experienced in sex-crime law in Graubünden. If cost is an issue, ask about legal aid or ask victim-support services for referrals.
- Ask about protective measures - discuss restraining orders or other protections with police, prosecutor or your lawyer.
- Keep records - maintain a secure file of all documents, communications and medical reports related to the incident.
- Protect your privacy - be cautious about sharing details on social media and seek legal advice before speaking publicly.
- Consider counselling - sexual offences can have lasting emotional effects. Professional counselling and support groups can help recovery.
- If you are uncertain where to start, contact a victim-support organisation or a lawyer for an initial consultation - they can explain your rights, options and likely outcomes and can help you take the next concrete steps.
