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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.

Auch Menschen, die von Stalking durch (Ex-)Partner*innen bedroht sind, werden geschützt. Man muss nicht im gleichen Haushalt wohnen, um Schutz zu bekommen.

The police can immediately order the following measures for 14 days (protection order):

    • Expulsion: The person using violence must leave the home immediately
    • Rayonverbot (Betretungsverbot): Die Person darf bestimmte Orte nicht mehr betreten, z. B. die  Wohnung des Opfers, den Arbeitsplatz, die Schule, bestimmte Strassen oder Gebiete in der Nähe
    • Prohibition of contact: The person may not contact the victim, either directly or via other persons

The protective measures can be extended by the Compulsory Measures Court for a further 3 months. This requires an application to be submitted within 8 days of the police order.

Zivilrechtlicher Persönlichkeitsschutz

Gegen Gewalt, Drohungen und Stalking können Sie auch zivilrechtliche Schutzmassnahmen beantragen (Art. 28b ZGB). Die Massnahmen sind unabhängig vom Strafrecht. 

  • Prohibition of approach (the person must not come 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.

You must submit a petition to the court. You must be able to show that violence, threats or stalking have taken place. 

The procedure is usually free of charge when it comes to violence in the family or partnership.

Protective measures under civil law can also be requested in marriage protection and divorce proceedings. For example, the court can determine who may remain in the home (Art. 28b para. 2 ZGB). 

With the consent of the landlord or landlady, the court may transfer the tenancy agreement to the plaintiff alone (Art. 28b para. 3 no. 2 ZGB).

We advise and support you with questions relating to these protective measures and can put you in touch with 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.