YOU ARE BEING ABUSED – WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Try to leave your flat or house and seek help
(for example from the police or a neighbour).
Don’t hesitate to contact the police!
The police have the following options:
Ban from the premises
The police can ban the perpetrator from visiting the premises for up to two weeks; that means the person committing the violence is not allowed to enter the flat or house.
Non-molestation order
The police can issue a non-molestation order for about two weeks; that means the victim and abuser are forbidden from having any form of contact with one another. An injunction can be requested from a court forbidding any form of contact and can be extended.
In case of injury, you must ensure you seek medical assistance. Ask for a medical certificate describing the nature of your injuries.
The certificate is crucial for any legal proceedings that may follow such as allocation of housing or criminal charges.
YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR PARTNER – WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR PARTNER AT ANYTIME, EVEN WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Financial Support
Even if you have no financial means at all and your partner has been financially providing for the family, have the courage to separate. There is government aid which can provide for you and your children.
- Employment benefit II (ALG II) or basic allowance
- Child benefit, parental allowance
- Maintenance payment or maintenance advance payment from the Youth Welfare Office
Entitlement to legal advice
Should your income be insufficient, you are entitled to receive free legal advice. In such cases, you can obtain a certificate for entitlement of legal advice from the local district court and find your own specialist lawyer in family law.
They can help you with the following issues:
- Maintenance payment for you and your children
- Legal custody/access rights
- Measures in line with the Protection
- Against Violence Act
- Non-molestation order
- Allocation of housing
It is possible that the court may issue an occupation order, thereby allocating the flat or house to you. This means the violent partner must move out.
