Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Dornach

About Sexual Abuse Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Sexual abuse is a criminal offense in Switzerland. Dornach is in the Canton of Solothurn, and criminal law is set at the federal level by the Swiss Criminal Code, while police, victim support, and courts operate at the cantonal level. Swiss law prohibits every form of non-consensual sexual act, including sexual assault, rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with children, exploitation, and grooming. Consent is central to Swiss sexual offense law. Lack of consent can include situations where a person is unable to resist because of fear, shock, or a freeze response. Marital or partner rape is criminalized.

Victims have strong procedural rights during investigations and trials, including the right to respectful treatment, privacy protection, an interpreter, accompaniment by a trusted person, and legal representation. Under the federal Victim Assistance Act, confidential support, medical care, psychological help, and certain costs may be covered or reimbursed, even if you have not yet filed a police report.

In urgent situations, call the police at 117 or emergency medical services at 144. You can obtain a medical forensic examination at a hospital without immediately pressing charges. Evidence can be secured and stored for a period defined by local practice, which preserves options if you decide to report later.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can protect your rights and help you make informed choices at each stage. You may need legal help to report the offense to police, participate in the criminal case, and seek protective measures such as a no-contact or exclusion order. A lawyer can coordinate timely forensic documentation, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your privacy is respected during statements and court hearings.

If the abuse occurred in the workplace or at school, an attorney can advise on internal reporting, disciplinary procedures, and claims under the Gender Equality Act. Where the perpetrator is a partner or family member, a lawyer can obtain civil protective orders, advise on housing and child arrangements, and coordinate with shelters. If you suffered financial losses or psychological injury, your lawyer can claim compensation and moral damages in the criminal proceedings or via a civil claim.

Cross-border issues can arise in Dornach due to proximity to Basel and neighboring cantons. A lawyer familiar with regional practice can identify the correct jurisdiction, liaise with authorities, and handle language or immigration questions. If prosecutors decline to proceed or offer a penalty order you disagree with, counsel can challenge the decision within strict deadlines. Legal aid may be available if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss Criminal Code offenses include rape and sexual assault for any non-consensual penetration or sexual act, sexual coercion, sexual harassment in defined contexts, and offenses involving minors such as sexual acts with children, exploitation, grooming, and pornography involving minors. Image-based sexual abuse, such as distributing intimate images without consent, can be prosecuted under privacy and sexual offense provisions.

Victim rights and procedure are governed by the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure. Victims can be accompanied during questioning, request same-gender interviewing where feasible, ask for protective measures, and limit access to sensitive personal data in the case file. Victims may join the criminal case as private claimants to seek damages.

The Victim Assistance Act provides confidential counseling, emergency aid, coverage of medical and psychological treatment, and contributions to legal costs. You may receive a forensic examination and evidence collection without filing a report immediately, with costs generally covered. Time limits to store evidence and apply for assistance vary, so early contact with a victim support center in the Canton of Solothurn is recommended.

Protective measures are available under the Swiss Civil Code. Courts can impose contact bans, restraining orders, and residence exclusion orders. Police in the Canton of Solothurn can issue short-term barring orders in acute danger situations, followed by court review for longer measures.

Workplace sexual harassment is prohibited by the Gender Equality Act. Employers must protect employees and investigate complaints. Remedies can include measures to stop the harassment, compensation, and protection from retaliation.

Limitation periods depend on the offense and are longer for crimes against minors. In serious cases involving children, limitation rules can be extended or may not apply. Because deadlines and starting points vary, consult a lawyer promptly to preserve your rights. Civil claims for damages also have limitation periods that can run separately from the criminal case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an assault in Dornach

Your safety and health come first. If you are in danger, call 117 for police or 144 for medical help. Try to get to a safe place. Seek medical care as soon as possible, both for treatment and to preserve evidence. If you can, avoid washing, changing clothes, eating, or drinking until after a forensic exam, but do not delay urgent care for this reason. Keep any clothing or items in clean paper bags, not plastic. You can bring a trusted person with you.

Do I have to report to the police right away

No. You can receive medical care and a forensic examination without filing a report immediately. Evidence can be stored for a defined period, giving you time to decide. However, reporting sooner can help preserve evidence and witness memories. If you choose not to report, you can still access victim support and counseling.

Where can I get a forensic medical exam near Dornach

Emergency departments in the region, including in the Canton of Solothurn and nearby Basel, can coordinate forensic examinations and evidence collection. Ask for a sexual assault examination. Hospital staff can contact the cantonal victim support service and on-call forensic medicine if needed.

Will I have to pay for medical and legal help

Under the Victim Assistance Act, initial medical care, forensic examination, and counseling can be covered. Depending on your situation, contributions to legal fees and therapy may be available. If you have limited means and your case has prospects, you may qualify for legal aid. Keep all receipts and documents.

Can I remain anonymous during the process

Your identity is protected from the public. Authorities can restrict access to your personal data in the case file, limit media access, and take measures to protect your privacy in court. Fully anonymous reporting is limited, but you can request that your address and contact details be kept confidential. Discuss specific protections with your lawyer and the victim support center.

What if the person is my spouse or partner

Marital or partner rape and other forms of sexual violence in relationships are criminal offenses. You can seek immediate police protection and apply for a civil protection order such as a contact ban or residence exclusion. Shelters and counseling services can help with safety planning, housing, and child-related issues. You are entitled to the same legal protections as in any other case.

How long do I have to press charges

Some sexual offenses are prosecuted by the authorities without a formal complaint from the victim, while others require a complaint within a deadline. Limitation periods vary by offense and are longer for crimes against minors. Because deadlines can be complex and strict, get legal advice as early as possible to avoid losing your rights.

I am not a Swiss citizen. Can I seek help and will this affect my residence status

Yes. Anyone in Switzerland can access emergency care and victim support. Reporting a crime does not in itself jeopardize your residence status. If your permit depends on a relationship with the perpetrator, specialized counseling can help you understand your options and protective measures. You have the right to an interpreter during proceedings.

Can a child or teenager report without parental involvement

Yes. Police and child protection authorities can receive reports from minors and third parties. Interviews with children follow specialized procedures to minimize harm. Victim support for minors is available, and courts can appoint representation where appropriate. Parents or guardians are involved with care to the extent it is safe and in the child’s best interest.

What if the abuse happened online

Online abuse such as grooming, coercion to share intimate images, or distribution of private images without consent is illegal. Preserve evidence by saving messages, screenshots, URLs, and user details. Do not confront the perpetrator online. Report to the police and seek advice on fast takedown requests and protective measures. If minors are involved, contact authorities immediately.

Additional Resources

Emergency services in Switzerland: Police 117, Ambulance 144. If you need emotional support, Dargebotene Hand can be reached at 143, and young people can call 147 for advice and help.

Canton of Solothurn victim support center: Provides confidential counseling, emergency financial aid, referrals for medical and psychological care, and help with legal steps. They can coordinate a forensic examination and advise on compensation and protective measures.

Regional hospitals near Dornach: Emergency departments in the Canton of Solothurn and nearby Basel can provide medical care and arrange forensic documentation following sexual violence.

Women’s shelters and specialized counseling services: The Solothurn region and neighboring cantons maintain shelters and counseling for people experiencing domestic and sexual violence, including safety planning, accommodation, and legal support.

Legal advisory services: Bar associations, legal aid offices, and specialized victim rights lawyers in the Canton of Solothurn can provide representation in criminal, civil protection, and employment matters.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 117. Get medical care quickly and request a forensic examination to preserve evidence. Ask the hospital to contact the victim support center.

Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Keep all messages, photos, and other possible evidence. Store clothing or items in paper bags.

Contact the Canton of Solothurn victim support center for confidential guidance on your options, financial assistance, and counseling. They can help you decide whether and when to report to police and how to access protective measures.

Consult a lawyer experienced in sexual offense cases. Ask about immediate protective orders, how to participate in the criminal case as a private claimant, how to claim compensation, and how to protect your privacy. If you have limited means, ask about legal aid and funding through victim assistance.

If the abuse is connected to work or school, document internal reports, request that your employer or institution take preventive steps, and obtain legal advice on your rights under the Gender Equality Act and education policies.

Take care of your wellbeing. Seek psychological support. You do not have to navigate this alone. Professional services in and around Dornach can support you at every step while respecting your choices and confidentiality.