Protection & Safety
If someone experiences violence, the first important step is to stop the violence. The person affected by violence should be protected as well as possible so that they can live in safety again.
Protection against Violence Act
The Canton of Zurich's Protection against Violence Act protects people who experience or are threatened by violence in a family or partnership.
People who are being stalked by (ex-)partners are also protected. You don't have to live in the same household to get protection.
What protective measures are there?
The police can immediately order the following measures for 14 days (protective order):
- Instructions: The perpetrator must leave the apartment immediately.
- No-go order (entry ban): The person is no longer allowed to enter certain places, e.g., the victim's home, workplace, school, or specific streets or areas nearby.
- No-contact order: The person is forbidden from contacting the victim, either directly or through others.
Extension of protective measures
The protective measures can be extended by the Coercive Measures Court for another 3 months. This requires an application that must be submitted within 8 days of the police order.
Further information on this topic
Civil Law Protection of Personality Rights
You can also apply for civil protective measures (Art. 28b of the Civil Code) against violence, threats, and stalking. These measures are independent of criminal law.
What can the court order?
- Restraining order (the person is forbidden from coming near you)
- Contact ban (the person is not allowed to call or write to you)
- Area ban (the person is not allowed to enter certain places)
- The court determines the duration. The measures can last several months.
How do you get the protective measures?
You must file a petition with the court. You must be able to show that violence, threats, or stalking has occurred.
The procedure is usually free of charge when it comes to violence in the family or partnership.
Civil law protective measures can also be requested in marriage protection and divorce proceedings. For example, the court can determine who is allowed to stay in the apartment (Art. 28b Paragraph 2 ZGB).
The court can transfer the lease solely to the plaintiff with the consent of the landlord or landlady (Art. 28b para. 3 item 2 CC).
We advise and support you with questions regarding these protective measures and provide referrals to lawyers if necessary.
We are here for you
Do you feel threatened? Are you afraid of someone? We will advise and support you confidentially and free of charge if you have any questions about your safety and protective measures.