Family Law · European Union
Get Legal Protection From Domestic Violence — Quickly and Confidentially
If you are experiencing abuse from a partner or family member, the law can protect you — through protection orders, exclusion from the home, and steps to secure your safety and that of your children. We match you, free of charge and in confidence, with a vetted family lawyer who handles domestic violence cases across Europe and can act without delay.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For anyone experiencing abuse from a partner or family member who needs legal protection
Domestic violence describes abuse committed by a current or former partner or family member, and it takes many forms — physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and economic. The law in every European country provides tools to protect victims and their children, most commonly through protection or restraining orders, which can require the abuser to keep their distance, stop contact, or leave a shared home, alongside related measures over children and finances. Because safety is urgent, many countries have procedures that allow protection to be obtained quickly, sometimes within days, and often without the abuser being present at the initial hearing. The precise mechanisms — what orders are available, how fast they can be granted, and how they are enforced — vary by country, and cross-border situations add further complexity. Acting quickly, with a lawyer who knows the local system, is essential.
Why seeking help feels overwhelming
Leaving or seeking protection is hardest when
you don’t know what the law can actually do.
Fear, isolation and uncertainty about the process stop many people from acting — but help exists.
Not knowing what protection exists
Many people do not realise that the law can require an abuser to leave a shared home, stop contact or keep a certain distance — and that such orders can often be obtained quickly. Understanding these tools is the first step towards safety.
Fear and isolation
Abuse frequently isolates victims from family, friends and information, making it hard to know where to turn or who to trust. The fear of the abuser’s reaction, and of not being believed, keeps many people from seeking the help they are entitled to.
Urgency and safety of children
When children are involved, the stakes are even higher, and arrangements over where they live and who they see become urgent. Acting without delay — and securing measures that protect the whole family — is critical.
What you get
A domestic violence lawyer who acts fast and protects you
We only match you with family lawyers experienced in domestic violence, protection orders and urgent safety measures.
Confidential, urgent support
Your lawyer treats your situation with complete confidentiality and prioritises speed, advising you on immediate safety steps and the quickest available route to legal protection.
Protection and restraining orders
Your lawyer prepares and applies for the orders available in your country — whether to exclude the abuser from the home, prohibit contact, or protect your children.
Children and family arrangements
You’ll receive guidance on securing arrangements for your children that prioritise their safety, including residence and contact decisions made with your own protection firmly in mind.
Support through the process
From the first application to any hearings, your lawyer represents you and explains each step, so you are never left to navigate the system alone.
Coverage
Domestic violence lawyers across Europe
Protection orders and their availability are governed by national law, so the right lawyer is one who works with your specific country’s courts and procedures. We match domestic violence cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Domestic violence — common questions
What is a protection order?
A protection or restraining order is a legal measure that can require an abuser to keep a certain distance, stop all contact, or leave a shared home, among other things. The specific orders available, and how quickly they can be granted, vary by country.
How quickly can I get protection?
In many countries, protection measures can be obtained quickly because of the urgency of the situation, sometimes within days and often without the abuser being present at an initial hearing. Your lawyer can advise on the fastest route available in your jurisdiction.
Can the abuser be made to leave our shared home?
In many jurisdictions, yes. A protection order can include an order excluding the abuser from the family home, allowing you and any children to remain safely. The availability of this measure depends on national law and your circumstances.
What about my children?
Protection can extend to your children, including arrangements over where they live and contact with the abuser, made with safety as the priority. A lawyer can help you secure measures that protect the whole family.
Will my situation be kept confidential?
Yes. Your lawyer is bound by professional confidentiality and will treat your case, and everything you disclose, in strict confidence. You can speak openly about your situation knowing it will be handled discreetly and sensitively.
What if I am in another country or from abroad?
Cross-border situations can add complexity, including which country’s law applies and whether orders are recognised elsewhere. A lawyer experienced in these matters can advise on your position and the protections available to you.
Free case review
You don’t have to face this alone
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you, in confidence, with a family lawyer who handles domestic violence cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.