Thanks to our long-term interest in this issue we can offer you legal advice concerning assistance to persons affected by domestic violence from a comprehensive point of view of criminal, family, civil and administrative infraction law. Lucie Hrdá is one of the few Czech lawyers who focused on the issue of domestic violence even within her master´s programme thesis and postgraduate thesis. She continuously publishes and gives lectures on this topic to lawyers, judges, and state prosecutors.

We approach this issue and the troubles involving violence in an intimate relationship in a sensitive manner and with empathy.

We can represent you before state authorities and help you make decision on how to act in a difficult life situation and how to protect yourselves and your children.

We are also able to assist persons wrongfully accused of committing domestic violence.

Information for victims of domestic violence

Are you bullied by your partner? Does s/he abuse you physically? Does s/he threaten you? Does s/he hurt you? Does s/he force you to do things you don’t like? Does s/he call you names or insult you? Are you afraid of him/her? If your answer to any of the above is yes, then you probably are a victim of domestic violence. It is hard to admit such a thing because people tend to be ashamed for letting things evolve to such state, but don’t worry, you can get help, as long as you want it.

If you decide to deal with the situation, or at least, if you know that you will have to deal with it in the future, start with your doctor. Tell your doctor what happened to you, so that your eventual injuries can be described in detail and recorded in your medical records. Seek out an organisation helping the victims of domestic violence; they will advise you as to how to best end a violent relationship in which you cannot live well. Then, pay attention to how to set up the so-called safety plan, escape path. Ask where you can get professional help. Ask about the options governing the expulsion of the perpetrator from your shared home, options regarding your children, and how to protect yourself as well.

It is naturally up to you and your consideration whether or not you want to report the offender to the police and file a criminal complaint against him. If you decide to do so, you don’t have to be alone. You probably have lots of questions as to what would follow in such case, and what would criminal and judicial investigation mean for you. Don’t worry, you have the right to get help in this hard situation. You might not know this, but as a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to get lawyer’s help in criminal proceedings at the expense of the state. The lawyer will help you to file a criminal complaint, and to perform all other acts in the criminal process. He knows how to lodge a claim for compensation for damages against the offender; he can help you get financial help for victims of crime from the Ministry of Justice. You don’t pay anything to such lawyer; his services are paid for by the state. It is a necessary help that can lead you through criminal proceedings and protect you and your rights.

Even if you decide that you don’t wat to resolve matters via criminal proceedings, you will probably need help with dealing with children, divorce, property settlement, providing for your safety, etc. A specialized lawyer experienced in cases of domestic violence can handle the entire process with you in such a way as to make it as easy as possible.

Don’t be afraid and defend yourself. You are not alone in this!