Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Muttenz

About Sexual Abuse Law in Muttenz, Switzerland

Sexual abuse is a serious criminal matter in Switzerland. Muttenz is in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, and while criminal law is set at the federal level, local police, prosecutors, courts, hospitals, and victim support services in Basel-Landschaft handle investigations, medical care, and support.

Swiss criminal law protects bodily and sexual autonomy. It covers a wide range of conduct including rape, sexual coercion, sexual acts with minors, abuse of a position of dependence, sexual acts with persons who cannot resist or do not have capacity to consent, sexual harassment, and the production or distribution of sexual images of minors. The law is gender neutral and protects people of all genders.

Victims in Switzerland have access to confidential and free support under the Swiss Victim Support Act, known in German as Opferhilfe. You can receive medical, psychological, practical, and legal assistance even if you decide not to file a police report.

This guide offers general information for people in Muttenz and the wider Basel-Landschaft area. It is not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 117 or the ambulance at 144.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your privacy, and navigate complex decisions. Common situations where legal help is valuable include deciding whether and how to report to the police, obtaining a restraining order, communicating with the prosecutor, and asserting your rights during interviews and medical examinations.

Legal counsel can also help you seek financial compensation for damages, lost income, and therapy costs. In criminal proceedings, you can file your civil claim within the criminal case. A lawyer can prepare evidence, represent you in court, and coordinate with victim support services. If the abuse occurred at work or school, you may need advice on employment, education, or disciplinary procedures and how they intersect with criminal law.

If you are accused of an offense, you should seek immediate legal representation to protect your procedural rights, prepare your defense, and avoid self-incrimination.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal offenses are defined by the Swiss Criminal Code. Key points relevant to sexual abuse in Muttenz and throughout Switzerland include:

Consent and key offenses. Rape and sexual coercion punish sexual acts carried out against the will of the victim, including through violence, threats, psychological pressure, or exploitation of a situation. The law recognizes that saying no, resisting, or other clear expressions of unwillingness matter. Offenses also cover situations where a person is incapable of judgment or resistance, such as due to intoxication, illness, or disability. The offense of rape is gender neutral.

Minors and age of consent. The general age of consent is 16. Sexual acts with children under 16 are criminal. Special protections apply to 16 to 18 year olds where there is an exploitation of an educational, care, or dependency relationship. Grooming and the production, possession, or distribution of sexual images of minors are criminal.

Harassment and workplace protections. Sexual harassment can be a criminal offense and is also prohibited under the Swiss Gender Equality Act in employment. Employers must prevent and address harassment and may be liable if they fail to act.

Victim rights and support. Under the Victim Support Act, victims are entitled to free, confidential advice and support, and may receive financial assistance and compensation. You can access victim support whether or not you file a complaint. Many hospitals offer forensic examinations, and in many cantons including Basel-Landschaft you can request evidence collection even if you are not yet ready to report. Ask the hospital or the victim support center about anonymous evidence preservation.

Reporting and procedure. Serious sexual offenses are prosecuted by the authorities without the need for a formal victim request. Some lesser offenses, such as certain forms of sexual harassment, require a criminal complaint filed by the victim within a short deadline, typically three months. Police in Basel-Landschaft conduct the investigation, and the cantonal public prosecutor decides on charges.

Protective measures. Swiss civil law allows courts to order protective measures such as restraining orders, no-contact orders, and eviction of a perpetrator from a shared home. Police can issue short-term protection orders under cantonal law in urgent situations. These measures can apply in domestic and non-domestic contexts.

Time limits. Limitation periods depend on the offense and can be lengthy for serious crimes. For offenses against minors, the clock often starts when the victim turns 18, which extends the time to report. Because deadlines vary by offense and depend on law reforms, ask a lawyer or victim support service to confirm the applicable time limits in your case.

Language and privacy. You have the right to an interpreter during proceedings if you do not understand the language used by authorities. Your privacy is protected, and courts can restrict public access and reporting to protect victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Swiss law?

Sexual abuse includes any sexual act without valid consent, sexual coercion, rape, sexual acts with children, exploiting a position of dependency or authority to obtain sexual acts, sexual acts with persons who cannot resist, sexual harassment, and producing or distributing sexual images of minors. It also covers online conduct such as coercive sextortion or sharing intimate images without consent.

Do I need to report to the police immediately?

No. If you are safe and need time, you can still seek medical care and victim support. Preserving evidence as soon as possible can be important, so consider a forensic exam even if you are undecided about reporting. Serious sexual offenses can often be reported later, subject to limitation periods. For some lesser offenses that require a complaint, there may be a short deadline.

What should I do right after an assault?

If you can, get to a safe place and call 117 for police or 144 for medical help. Avoid showering, changing clothes, eating, drinking, or brushing teeth until after a medical exam, so that evidence can be preserved. If you have already washed, you can still seek care. Keep any clothing in a clean paper bag. Write down what happened, where, and when, and save any messages, photos, or names of witnesses.

Can I have a forensic exam without filing a report?

Yes, many hospitals in the region can collect and store forensic evidence even if you are not ready to report to the police. Ask the emergency department or the victim support service about anonymous evidence preservation. This can keep your options open while you decide next steps.

Will my name or details be made public?

Victim privacy is protected. Authorities handle sensitive information confidentially. Courts can restrict public access and reporting to protect you. Media must respect privacy and cannot publish identifying details without consent.

What is the age of consent and how are minors protected?

The general age of consent is 16. Sexual acts with persons under 16 are criminal. Additional protections apply to 16 to 18 year olds where there is exploitation of a position of authority, education, care, or dependence. Producing, sharing, or possessing sexual images of minors is criminal even if a minor shares an image of themself.

What if the perpetrator is a partner or family member?

Sexual abuse within relationships and families is a crime. You can seek immediate protection, including police intervention and court protective measures. Leaving home is not required to obtain protection. Victim support can assist with safety planning, housing, and legal steps.

How long do I have to press charges?

Limitation periods vary by offense. Serious sexual crimes often have long time limits, and for offenses against minors the period commonly starts when the victim turns 18. Some lesser offenses require a complaint within about three months. A lawyer or the victim support center can identify the exact deadlines that apply to your situation.

Can I get a restraining order in Muttenz?

Yes. Swiss civil law allows courts to order no-contact, stay-away, and eviction orders. The police in Basel-Landschaft can also issue urgent short-term protection orders. A lawyer or the victim support service can help you apply and gather supporting evidence.

Do I need a lawyer and can I get legal aid?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal advice is highly recommended. If you cannot afford counsel, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost legal assistance. Victim support can help you apply for legal aid and refer you to trained lawyers.

What if the abuse happened online?

Save evidence such as screenshots with dates, user names, and URLs. Do not engage with the perpetrator. Many online behaviors are criminal, including coercive threats to share images, distributing intimate images without consent, and contact with minors for sexual purposes. Report to the police and consider platform reporting and content takedown with legal guidance.

Can I get compensation for damages and therapy costs?

Yes. You can claim damages and moral compensation in the criminal case. Under the Victim Support Act, you may also receive financial assistance for urgent needs, medical treatment, and counseling. The amount depends on the case and your losses.

Additional Resources

Emergency services. Police 117. Ambulance 144. Emotional support helpline 143. Youth helpline 147.

Victim support. Opferhilfe beider Basel is the official victim support service for Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. It offers confidential counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, and help with compensation applications. You can contact them directly or ask the police or hospital to connect you.

Medical care and forensic examinations. The emergency department of the University Hospital Basel and regional hospitals can provide medical treatment, emergency contraception, testing for infections, and forensic evidence collection. Ask for information about anonymous evidence preservation if you are unsure about reporting.

Law enforcement and prosecution. Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft handles reports and initial investigations. Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft is the public prosecutor responsible for charging decisions and conducting the criminal case.

Legal referrals. The Basellandschaftlicher Anwaltsverband and local legal advice centers can connect you with lawyers experienced in criminal law and victim representation. Victim support can help with referrals and legal aid applications.

Workplace and school support. For incidents linked to employment or education, contact your employer or school safeguarding office. The Swiss Gender Equality Act requires employers to prevent and address sexual harassment. Victim support can help you navigate internal procedures.

Non-governmental organizations. Weisser Ring Switzerland provides support to crime victims. Child protection organizations and youth services can advise on cases involving minors. Ask victim support for contacts that match your needs.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 117. For urgent medical needs, call 144 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Consider a medical and forensic exam as soon as possible. Tell the medical staff if you may wish to preserve evidence. You can request an interpreter.

Contact the victim support service. They can provide confidential advice, emergency assistance, and help you plan next steps whether or not you report to the police.

Document everything. Keep messages, photos, call logs, and notes of what happened and when. Store clothing or items in clean paper bags. For online incidents, take clear screenshots with dates and usernames.

Decide about reporting. You can report to the Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft at any time within legal deadlines. Victim support or a lawyer can accompany you to provide support and help you understand the process.

Seek legal advice early. A lawyer can protect your rights, request protective measures, file civil claims, and coordinate with the prosecutor. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid through victim support.

Take care of your wellbeing. Consider counseling and support groups. Adjust work or school arrangements if needed, and ask for help with practical matters like housing or financial aid.

This guide is general information. A lawyer can give advice tailored to your situation in Muttenz and Basel-Landschaft.