Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Chur

About Sexual Abuse Law in Chur, Switzerland

This guide gives a practical overview of how sexual-abuse matters are treated in Chur, the capital of the canton of Graubunden. Criminal law on sexual offences in Switzerland is primarily federal - the Swiss Criminal Code applies throughout the country - while police, prosecution and victim-support services are organized at cantonal and municipal level. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused in Chur, you may deal with the Stadtpolizei Chur or the Kantonspolizei Graubunden, the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) in Graubunden, and local victim-support organizations and medical facilities. The legal system aims to protect victims, investigate offences and, where appropriate, prosecute offenders and provide remedies such as compensation and protective measures.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are many situations in sexual-abuse matters where legal help is important. A lawyer can explain your rights, represent your interests with police and prosecutors, and help you with criminal and civil options. Common reasons to consult a lawyer include:

- You are considering reporting an assault to the police and want to understand the process, possible outcomes and evidence needs.

- You need advice about immediate protection - for example, restraining orders, no-contact orders or emergency measures.

- You are a minor or the guardian of a minor who may have been abused, and you need guidance on child-protection procedures and the role of KESB (the cantonal child and adult protection authority).

- You want to claim compensation for injuries, medical costs or psychological harm - either within criminal proceedings or by starting a civil claim.

- You are accused of a sexual offence and need criminal defence counsel to protect your rights and advise on steps to take.

- You require help accessing medical, psychological or social services, or need assistance applying for legal aid.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal features relevant in Chur and the canton of Graubunden include the following general points:

- Federal criminal rules: Sexual offences are defined and penalized under the Swiss Criminal Code. Offences can include rape or sexual coercion, sexual assault, sexual acts with minors, exploitation, and distributing intimate images without consent. Penalties depend on the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances.

- Age of consent: Swiss law sets age limits and special protections for minors. Engaging in sexual acts with children below the statutory age is a criminal offence. Some situations involving persons aged 16 to 18 may involve added protections where there is a dependency, trust or professional relationship.

- Abuse of a position of trust: Sexual acts committed by a person who exploits a relationship of authority or dependence - for example teachers, caregivers or coaches - are treated particularly seriously.

- Evidence and forensic exams: Medical-forensic examinations are important for preserving evidence after an assault. Hospitals and specialized centres in Chur can perform examinations and document injuries. Try to preserve clothing and avoid showering when possible prior to an exam.

- Prosecution and victim participation: The public prosecutor handles criminal investigations and decides whether to file charges. Victims can participate in criminal proceedings - for example by making victim statements and requesting civil compensation as part of the criminal case.

- Protective measures: Courts and prosecutors can order measures to protect victims - for example temporary no-contact orders, restrictions on residence, or pretrial detention of the accused if necessary to protect the victim or secure evidence.

- Civil remedies: Victims can seek damages for physical and psychological harm through the criminal process or by separate civil proceedings. Civil claims may cover medical costs, loss of earnings and therapy costs.

- Statute of limitations: Time limits for bringing criminal charges vary according to the type and seriousness of the offence. For offences against children, special rules often postpone or extend limitation periods. Seek legal advice promptly to avoid losing claims.

- Cantonal victim support and legal aid: Graubunden provides victim assistance services, crisis counselling and potential financial support. Low-income persons may be eligible for legal aid for criminal or civil proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a sexual assault in Chur?

You can report to the Stadtpolizei Chur or Kantonspolizei Graubunden in person, by phone, or through victim-support organisations that will assist you in making the report. If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number. You can also seek medical care first and have hospital staff contact the police with your consent.

Should I get a medical-forensic exam even if I am unsure about reporting?

Yes. A medical-forensic exam preserves evidence and documents injuries. You can often have an exam done without immediately filing a police report - ask the hospital or a sexual-assault centre about evidence-storage options and time limits for reporting.

Will the police believe me and take my case seriously?

Police and prosecutors must investigate allegations. How an investigation proceeds depends on the evidence and circumstances. If you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously, ask to speak to a supervisor, contact victim-support services for advocacy, or consult a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

What protections are available against the alleged perpetrator?

Prosecutors and courts can impose no-contact orders, restraining measures or emergency protective measures. In urgent cases, police can enforce temporary protection. A lawyer or victim-support organisation can help you apply for and enforce such measures.

Can I claim compensation for medical bills and therapy?

Yes. You can request compensation from the offender as part of the criminal proceedings or by starting a civil claim. If the offender cannot pay, you may be eligible for cantonal or federal victim compensation schemes - check with local victim assistance for support and application help.

What happens if the alleged abuser is a family member or someone in a position of trust?

Cases involving family members or persons in positions of trust often require careful handling to protect the victim. Authorities may involve child or adult protection services, restrict contact, and treat abuse of trust as an aggravating factor. Seek specialised legal and social support immediately.

How long do I have to press charges?

Time limits vary by offence. Some sexual offences have longer limitation periods, and offences against minors may have special rules that delay the start of the limitation period until the victim reaches adulthood. Because rules differ, obtain legal advice promptly so time limits are not missed.

I live in Chur but the incident happened elsewhere in Switzerland - where do I report?

You can report the offence to the police where you are located; they will either take the report or forward it to the appropriate jurisdiction. The public prosecutor in the canton where the offence occurred will typically handle the investigation and prosecution.

Are confidentiality and privacy protected during the process?

Authorities and healthcare providers must respect privacy and data-protection rules. Certain procedural limits apply if public safety or the rights of the accused require disclosure. You can ask for privacy protections, and victim-support services can advise and advocate on confidentiality concerns.

How do I find a lawyer and can I get legal aid?

Look for lawyers experienced in sexual offences, criminal law and victim representation. Cantonal legal aid may be available if you have limited financial means. Victim-support organisations and cantonal courts can point you to lawyers and advise on legal aid applications.

Additional Resources

Below are types of local and cantonal resources that can help. Contact these organisations by phone or in person to ask about services, confidentiality and language support:

- Local police - Stadtpolizei Chur and Kantonspolizei Graubunden - for reporting and immediate protection.

- Staatsanwaltschaft Graubunden - the public prosecutor handling criminal investigations and charges.

- Opferhilfe Graubunden - cantonal victim-support services that offer crisis counselling, information about rights, practical assistance and help with compensation applications.

- Kantonsspital Graubunden or local hospitals - for medical-forensic examinations, emergency care and documentation of injuries.

- KESB - the cantonal child and adult protection authority - where minors or vulnerable adults need protective measures.

- Frauenhaus and domestic-violence shelters in the region - for safe accommodation and support if you need to leave a dangerous environment.

- Mental-health and counselling services - for trauma support and referrals to specialised therapists experienced in sexual-trauma care.

- Federal and national victim-support organisations - for additional information and broader resources covering rights and compensation in Switzerland.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance after sexual abuse in Chur, consider the following practical steps:

- Ensure safety first. If you are in immediate danger contact emergency services. Consider moving to a safe place or contacting local shelters if needed.

- Seek medical attention promptly. A clinician can treat injuries, prevent infections and perform a forensic exam that preserves evidence.

- Preserve evidence. Keep clothing, messages, photos and any other relevant items. Do not wash or alter evidence if you intend to pursue a criminal report.

- Contact police when you feel ready. You can report immediately or after consulting victim-support services or a lawyer. Ask for a written confirmation of the report.

- Reach out to Opferhilfe Graubunden or other local victim-support services for immediate counselling, practical help and information about the legal process.

- Consult a lawyer experienced in sexual-offence cases. If finances are a concern, ask about legal aid or pro bono services available in Graubunden.

- Keep records. Note dates, times, locations, witness names and any communications about the incident. These notes can help your lawyer and the authorities.

- Take care of your mental health. Contact counselling and therapy services as early as possible - many therapists and support centres specialise in trauma after sexual abuse.

- If the victim is a child, notify the appropriate child-protection authority and seek legal and social support immediately.

Every case is different. This guide is informational only and does not replace specific legal advice. For an assessment tailored to your situation contact a qualified lawyer in Chur or speak with cantonal victim-support services.