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Emergency

Contact and proximity ban under the Protection Against Violence Act

Anyone experiencing violence, threats, or stalking can obtain court protection. The Protection Against Violence Act allows orders such as a proximity and contact ban or the allocation of the shared home. In acute cases, this happens quickly through an urgent procedure.

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In cases of intentional injury to body, health, or freedom, as well as threats or stalking, the court can issue protective orders, for instance a ban on approaching or making contact (§ 1 GewSchG).
In urgent cases, the court can quickly issue a preliminary order in an urgent procedure. If the person violates it, this can be punished with coercive measures and even under criminal law.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Safety first

    In case of acute danger, contact the police immediately (emergency number 110).

  2. 2

    2. Secure evidence

    Document incidents, messages, injuries, and witnesses.

  3. 3

    3. File the application

    Apply for protective orders under the Protection Against Violence Act at the family court.

  4. 4

    4. Report violations

    In case of violations of the ban, inform the court and the police.

How to spot the scam

  • Incidents are not documented and are hard to prove later.
  • Despite acute danger, no urgent application is filed.
  • Violations of an existing ban are not reported.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a proximity ban?

Through an application to the family court under the Protection Against Violence Act. The court can order that the person not approach you, make no contact, or avoid certain places (§ 1 GewSchG). In urgent cases, this can be done through an urgent procedure.

What happens in case of a violation?

If the person concerned violates a protective order, the court can impose a coercive fine or coercive detention. In addition, violating an enforceable order is a criminal offense. Report violations to the court and the police.

Do I need evidence?

Evidence helps a great deal. Document incidents, secure messages, photos of injuries, and name witnesses. In an urgent procedure, credible substantiation, for instance through an affidavit, is often enough to achieve quick protection.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.