Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Sexual Abuse Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Sexual abuse is a criminal violation of a person’s sexual integrity. In Arlesheim, cases are investigated and prosecuted under Swiss federal law and handled locally by the authorities of the Canton of Basel-Landschaft. The Swiss Criminal Code covers a broad range of conduct, including rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with children, exploitation of dependency or vulnerability, and sexual harassment. Consent is central in assessing sexual offenses, and recent national reforms have strengthened protections for victims and clarified definitions around non-consensual acts.

Arlesheim residents can report incidents to the cantonal police or directly to the cantonal public prosecutor. Victims are entitled to support under the Federal Victim Support Act, which provides confidential counseling, emergency assistance, and potential financial help, regardless of whether a report is made immediately.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Sexual abuse cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. A lawyer can explain your options, protect your rights, and manage communication with the authorities. Legal counsel is especially helpful when you want to make a police report, apply for protective measures, seek compensation, or avoid repeated re-traumatization during interviews.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include navigating the decision to file a criminal complaint, understanding deadlines for offenses that require a complaint, preserving and presenting evidence, requesting no-contact or restraining orders, coordinating with victim support services, asserting your rights during police interviews and medical examinations, making civil claims for damages within the criminal case, dealing with workplace harassment under equality laws, addressing immigration or residency concerns, and arranging testimony protections for minors or vulnerable adults.

Victims with limited financial means may qualify for legal aid or for a victim counsel paid under the victim support framework. A local lawyer familiar with Basel-Landschaft procedures will know how the police, prosecutors, courts, and victim support offices coordinate cases in and around Arlesheim.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law is federal in Switzerland. Key rules that often apply in sexual abuse cases include the Swiss Criminal Code provisions on sexual integrity crimes such as rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with children, abuse of persons incapable of resistance, exploitation of dependency, and sexual harassment. Serious offenses are prosecuted by the authorities without the need for a victim’s formal request, while some less serious offenses such as certain forms of sexual harassment require the victim to file a complaint within a short deadline, typically three months.

The Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure gives victims important rights. You may have a support person present in interviews, ask for separate waiting areas, request that questioning be led by a person of a particular gender where feasible, use screens or video to avoid direct confrontation with the accused, and ask the court to exclude the public for sensitive testimony. Interpreters are provided when needed. Victims can participate as private claimants to seek compensation for material and moral harm within the criminal proceedings.

The Swiss Civil Code allows courts to order protective measures such as restraining orders, contact bans, and exclusion from the family home to protect against ongoing violence. Police in Basel-Landschaft can issue immediate short-term removal orders in domestic situations to safeguard victims.

The Federal Victim Support Act ensures free and confidential counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, and potential financial benefits for victims. This support is available through recognized victim support centers in the Basel region. Medical facilities in the region can conduct forensic examinations and, in many cases, preserve evidence confidentially for a period to allow victims time to decide about making a formal report. Limitation periods vary by offense and are longer for crimes against children. In very serious cases the time limits can be extended significantly by law. A local lawyer can advise on the specific deadlines that may apply to your situation.

In the workplace, the Federal Gender Equality Act prohibits sexual harassment and requires employers to take preventive and corrective measures. Remedies can include compensation and protective steps at work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Swiss law?

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual act, coercion into sexual acts, rape, sexual acts with minors, exploitation of dependency or vulnerability, and sexual harassment. Consent must be given freely. Use of force, threats, surprise, or taking advantage of a person who cannot resist or judge the situation can make conduct criminal.

Do I have to report immediately?

No. You can seek medical care and victim support first. However, if you are considering criminal proceedings, timely reporting can help preserve evidence and witness recollection. Some less serious offenses require a complaint within three months, so you should get legal advice quickly about deadlines.

Where can I report in or near Arlesheim?

You can contact the Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft or the cantonal public prosecutor’s office for Basel-Landschaft. In an emergency call 117. You may also approach a hospital or a victim support center for immediate assistance and guidance on reporting options.

Can I get a forensic exam without filing a report?

In many Swiss cantons, including the Basel region, hospitals can perform a confidential forensic examination and store evidence for a period even if you are not yet ready to report. Ask at the emergency department or through a victim support center about confidential evidence preservation and the storage timeframe.

Will I have to face the accused during the process?

Protective measures are available. You can request separate waiting areas, screens, or video testimony. Courts can exclude the public for sensitive testimony. These measures aim to reduce the risk of re-traumatization while preserving the rights of both sides.

Can I get a restraining order?

Yes. Under the Swiss Civil Code, courts can order no-contact and stay-away provisions and may exclude a perpetrator from the shared home. Police can also impose short-term removal orders in domestic cases. A lawyer or victim support counselor can help you apply quickly.

What are the time limits for bringing a case?

Limitation periods depend on the offense and its seriousness. They can be several years for adult victims. For offenses against children, the time limit is longer and often does not start until the child reaches adulthood. Very serious crimes can have significantly extended or special rules. Get legal advice promptly to confirm the deadline for your case.

Can I get compensation and who pays?

Victims can seek damages and moral compensation from the offender within the criminal case or in a separate civil case. If the offender cannot pay, the Federal Victim Support Act allows applications for financial assistance from the canton, subject to eligibility criteria and ceilings. A lawyer or victim support center can help document losses and submit claims.

Do I need a lawyer and how can I afford one?

Having a lawyer is recommended to protect your rights and handle the legal process. If you have limited means and your case has merit, you may qualify for legal aid. In addition, the victim support system can arrange or fund certain legal assistance for victims. Ask early so that representation is in place for key steps like interviews.

What if the abuse happened at work or school?

Workplace sexual harassment is prohibited under the Federal Gender Equality Act. Employers must act to prevent and stop harassment and can be liable for compensation if they fail. Schools and youth organizations have safeguarding duties and must escalate concerns, especially for minors, to child protection authorities such as the Child and Adult Protection Authority in Basel-Landschaft. You can pursue both internal measures and legal remedies with the support of a lawyer.

Additional Resources

Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft. For emergencies call 117. You can request to speak with a specialized officer for sexual offenses.

Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft. The cantonal public prosecutor directs investigations and prosecutes sexual offenses.

Opferhilfe beider Basel. Regional victim support service that offers free and confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and help with claims and legal referrals.

Regional hospitals and university clinics in Basel. Emergency departments can provide medical care, post exposure prophylaxis where appropriate, and forensic evidence collection, including confidential storage where available.

Frauenberatung nach Vergewaltigung Basel. Specialized counseling for people who experienced sexual violence, regardless of when it occurred.

Frauenhaus Basel and other shelters in the region. Safe accommodation and support for those at risk in domestic contexts.

Child and Adult Protection Authority Basel-Landschaft, known as KESB. Authority for protective measures and safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults.

Helplines. Police 117, Medical 144, Emotional support 143 Die Dargebotene Hand, Youth support 147 Pro Juventute.

Next Steps

Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger call 117. Seek medical care as soon as possible to address injuries and health risks. If you may pursue legal action, try to preserve evidence by not washing, changing clothes, or cleaning the scene until after a medical exam. Save messages, take photos of injuries, and write down what happened with dates and times.

Contact a victim support center in the Basel region to discuss options confidentially and to arrange practical help such as emergency housing, financial assistance, and counseling. Ask about a confidential forensic exam if you are not ready to report. Speak with a local lawyer experienced in sexual offenses to understand procedures in Basel-Landschaft, limitation periods, protective orders, and compensation options. A lawyer can file a complaint, attend interviews with you, request protective measures, and submit claims for damages.

Prepare basic information for your lawyer. This includes a short timeline, any witness names, saved communications, medical records, and photos. If the situation involves a workplace or school, keep notes of what you reported and to whom, and request that your employer or institution take immediate safeguarding steps.

You do not have to do this alone. With coordinated support from victim services, medical professionals, the police and prosecutor, and legal counsel, you can protect your rights and move forward at a pace that works for you.