Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Sexual Abuse Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Sexual abuse is a serious criminal matter in Switzerland. Arlesheim is part of the canton of Basel-Landschaft, so cases are handled under Swiss federal law and the procedures of the Basel-Landschaft authorities. Sexual abuse covers a wide range of conduct, including any sexual act without free consent, rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with children, exploitation of dependency or vulnerability, grooming, and certain forms of harassment and unlawful sharing of intimate images.

Swiss criminal law focuses on consent and the protection of bodily and sexual autonomy. Non-consensual sexual acts are prosecutable regardless of the relationship between the parties. Special rules protect children and youths, and strict penalties apply when dependency or trust is abused, such as in school, therapy, or caregiving settings.

Victims have defined rights during investigations and court proceedings, including the right to respectful treatment, protection measures, accompaniment, and victim assistance services. In urgent cases, protective orders can be issued by civil courts to prevent contact or proximity and to enhance safety while criminal proceedings take place.

If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 117 or emergency medical services at 144. You can also receive confidential support from a victim assistance center even if you have not decided to file a report.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer helps you understand your options, protect your rights, and navigate sensitive procedures. Many people seek legal help to decide whether and how to report, to secure protective measures, and to ensure their voice is heard by police and prosecutors. A lawyer can also join the criminal case on your behalf as a private claimant to claim compensation and moral damages, or guide you through an application under the Victim Assistance Act for financial help and counseling.

Legal advice is also important in workplace or school settings, where sexual harassment or abuse may involve internal procedures alongside civil or criminal remedies. If children are involved, a lawyer can coordinate with child protection authorities. If your residence status is a concern, a lawyer can advise on how reporting and separation from a violent partner interact with immigration rules. If you are accused of an offense, you should contact a defense lawyer immediately to avoid self-incrimination and to safeguard due process rights.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal framework. Swiss Criminal Code provisions apply in Arlesheim. Offenses include sexual coercion and rape, sexual acts without consent, sexual acts with children, exploitation of dependency or vulnerability, grooming of minors, and criminal pornography involving minors. Sharing intimate images without consent, covert recording, and certain forms of sexual harassment can also trigger criminal liability. There is no marital exemption for rape or sexual coercion.

Consent and age. Consent must be free, informed, and voluntary. The general age of consent is 16. Sexual activity with a person under 16 is usually criminal. Additional protections apply for 16 to 18 year olds where dependency, authority, or trust is exploited, such as in schools, sports, or therapy.

Victim rights and procedure. You can report to the cantonal police or directly to the public prosecutor. You may be accompanied by a trusted person or a victim assistance professional. Interpreters are available if needed. Interviews should be conducted with care to reduce re-traumatization. For minors, statements may be video recorded to avoid repeated questioning.

Protection orders. Under the Swiss Civil Code, courts can issue no-contact and exclusion orders, require an abuser to stay away from a home or workplace, and prohibit communication. Criminal courts and prosecutors can also impose protective conditions during investigations.

Evidence and medical care. Prompt medical attention is recommended to address health needs and to preserve evidence. In the Basel region, hospitals can perform a forensic examination, and in many cases evidence can be collected and stored even if you are not yet ready to file a police report. Preserve clothing and avoid washing or cleaning if possible until you receive medical advice.

Victim assistance. The Swiss Victim Assistance Act provides free and confidential counseling, emergency financial help, longer term assistance, and potential compensation and moral damages. Applications are made to the competent cantonal office. Deadlines may apply for compensation and should be discussed with a lawyer or victim assistance center.

Time limits. Statutes of limitations vary by offense. For crimes against minors, the limitation period generally starts when the victim turns 18, and for certain severe offenses against young children there may be no limitation. Because these rules are technical and can change, obtain legal advice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Swiss law?

Sexual abuse includes any sexual act without free consent, rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with children, abuse of a position of trust or authority, grooming, and certain forms of harassment and unlawful distribution of intimate images. The circumstances, age, consent, and any dependency or vulnerability are central to how the law applies.

How do I report a sexual offense in Arlesheim?

You can report to the Basel-Landschaft cantonal police in person or by calling 117 in an emergency. You may also contact a public prosecutor to make a criminal complaint. Victim assistance services can help you prepare and may accompany you to the police.

Can I get help without filing a police report?

Yes. Under the Victim Assistance Act, you can access confidential counseling, medical support, and practical help without filing a report. Hospitals in the region can often collect and store forensic evidence even if you are undecided about reporting, for a defined period set by local practice.

What should I do right after an assault?

If you can, seek medical care quickly. Try to preserve evidence by not washing, changing clothes, or cleaning your body, and keep any items that may contain evidence. Write down what happened while memories are fresh. Contact a trusted person, a victim support center, or the police. If you are in danger, call 117 immediately.

Will my identity be kept private?

Authorities handle sexual offenses with confidentiality. Your name will appear in official records, but there are protections against public disclosure. Courts may limit public access and reporting of identifying details. Ask your lawyer about additional confidentiality measures that may apply.

What protection can I get against the accused?

You can request civil protection orders such as no-contact or exclusion orders. Prosecutors and courts can impose contact bans and other conditions during the criminal case. Violations of these orders can lead to penalties. In urgent situations, courts can issue interim orders quickly.

Are there deadlines for reporting or seeking compensation?

Criminal statutes of limitations depend on the offense. For minors, the clock usually starts at age 18, and some serious offenses against young children may be non time barred. For victim assistance compensation, deadlines apply and can be short, so seek advice as soon as possible. Counseling is available regardless of compensation deadlines.

What if the abuse happened at work or school?

Workplace sexual harassment may give rise to civil remedies under equality and employment laws, in addition to possible criminal charges. Schools and youth organizations must act to protect students, and child protection authorities may be involved. A lawyer can coordinate the criminal, civil, and internal processes and help preserve evidence and deadlines.

I am not a Swiss citizen. Can I report without risking my status?

Yes. Victims can report crimes regardless of nationality or residence status. If you are in a family relationship where violence or abuse occurred, immigration law may offer protections to maintain or extend your permit for important personal reasons. Ask a lawyer about your specific situation before making decisions that affect your status.

What happens after I file a complaint?

The police investigate and the public prosecutor directs the case. You may be interviewed, and forensic evidence may be collected. If there is sufficient evidence, the prosecutor files charges. You can participate as a private claimant to seek compensation and to receive information about the case. Many cases resolve without a full trial, but serious cases often proceed to court.

Additional Resources

Opferhilfe beider Basel. Regional victim assistance service for Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt. Provides confidential counseling, emergency support, information about rights, and help with compensation applications.

Basel-Landschaft Cantonal Police. Emergency 117. Non emergency contact available through local police posts. Can take criminal complaints and arrange protective measures.

Emergency Medical Services. Call 144 for urgent medical help. Forensic examinations after sexual assault are available at regional hospitals, including University Hospital Basel, with options for evidence preservation.

Child and Adult Protection Authority KESB Basel-Landschaft. Handles child protection and protective measures when minors are at risk. Can work alongside criminal proceedings.

Public Prosecutor of Basel-Landschaft. Directs investigations and prosecutions for offenses occurring in Arlesheim and across the canton.

Women and family shelters in the Basel region. Safe housing, crisis support, and safety planning for individuals fleeing violence, including sexual violence in intimate relationships.

Helplines. 117 police, 144 medical emergencies, 143 emotional support for adults, 147 help for children and youths. These services operate around the clock.

Local bar associations. Basel-Landschaft lawyers association can help you find a criminal law or victim law specialist. Ask for experience with sexual offense cases.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in danger, call 117. Seek medical care as soon as possible and ask about a forensic exam and evidence preservation.

Contact a victim assistance center. You can receive free, confidential support immediately, including crisis counseling, safety planning, and practical help with housing, work, or school issues.

Consult a lawyer early. Ask about reporting options, your rights during questioning, protective orders, and compensation. If cost is a barrier, ask about legal aid and free initial consultations.

Decide about reporting. You can file a complaint with the police or prosecutor. If you are not ready, ask a hospital about storing forensic evidence and ask victim assistance about time limits for compensation and other support.

Document and preserve evidence. Keep messages, emails, photos, clothing, and notes. Save names of potential witnesses. Back up digital evidence securely.

Follow up. Stay in contact with your lawyer and victim assistance advisor, attend medical follow ups, and apply for financial support if needed. If children are affected, coordinate with KESB and the school.

Important. This guide is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Laws and procedures can change. Speak with a qualified Swiss lawyer to receive advice tailored to your situation in Arlesheim and the wider Basel-Landschaft region.