Are you in any of these situations?
I have suffered mistreatment in the family setting.
If you have experienced physical, psychological, or sexual violence from your partner or ex-partner, we help you act fast: immediate advice, help with preparing a report, and accompaniment to the police station and court to protect you from the very beginning.
I need a restraining order
If you fear for your safety, we value your case and will guide you in applying for a protection/restraining order and other urgent measures (communication, residence, custody), explaining the steps to take and what to expect at each stage.
Family Law and Abuse
When children are involved or there is cohabitation, the proceedings may include civil measures in addition to criminal ones. We advise you on custody, visitation rights, use of the family home, and maintenance payments, seeking measures that guarantee family safety and well-being.
Defence against false accusation
If you have been reported and consider the accusation to be untrue, we offer you solid criminal defence from the outset: assistance with statements, evidence strategy and support throughout the entire procedure to protect your rights and avoid prison sentences.
How can we help you?
As specialist lawyers in Madrid, we have handled all types of gender-based violence cases and are prepared to help you with whatever you need.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
- Report and legal assistance
- Protection order and interim measures
- Court attendance
- Liaison with support resources
IF YOU HAVE BEEN REPORTED FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
- 24-hour detainee assistance (if applicable)
- Defence in fast-track proceedings / investigation
- Evidential resources and strategy
- Incidents: breaches, modifications of measures, etc.
Do you need help now?
If you are a victim of habitual abuse or have been reported, we will work with you from the first call.
Our step-by-step procedure as expert lawyers in gender-based violence
- First confidential callWe listen to your case, assess the urgency, and advise you on what to do from that moment onwards.
- Preparing a statementWe'll prepare the declaration with you to ensure it's clear and consistent, and we'll guide you on useful documentation or evidence of injuries and mistreatment according to your situation.
- Accompanying (police station/courthouse)We assist and support you so you understand every step and your rights are protected, whether you are a victim or have been accused.
- Interim measures or protection orderWe request and defend restraining/protection orders, communication bans, and civil measures regarding housing, custody, visits, or pensions, especially in an environment of systematic abuse.
- Procedure trackingWe'll monitor the case, keep you informed of timelines and next steps, and prepare each stage of the process. When applicable, we'll guide you on available support resources.
Why trust us as your domestic violence lawyers in Madrid
Because here you'll not only find a domestic violence lawyer: you'll find companionship and real support. Our approach is clear: in addition to solutions, we want you to feel that we are with you, with your needs, your situation, and what you are experiencing.
We'll be with you every step of the way
From the first call to the police station, court and subsequent stages of the proceedings, so you don't have to face this alone.
Transparency from minute one
We'll explain what can happen, what your options are, and what the strategy is, without technical jargon or surprises.
Values that are noticeable in interactions
Trust, customer loyalty, professional ethics, and innovation in practice.
Consolidated experience
Firm founded in 1983 with a track record in key areas, including Criminal Law and litigation.
Act now: Legal advice from a specialist domestic violence solicitor
Tell us about your situation and we'll tell you what steps to take.
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre Abogados de Violencia de Género en Madrid
Can I apply for a restraining order even if I haven't reported it yet?
Yes. According to Article 544 ter of the Criminal Procedure Act (Law 27/2003 of 31 July) A protection order can be requested using a standardised form and can be initiated not only by the victim, but also by family members, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and can even be ordered by a judge ex officio. Furthermore, welfare services and organisations can bring the facts to the attention of the court or the Public Prosecutor's Office for processing. The urgent hearing must be convened within a maximum of 72 hours of the request.
What should I do if I've been reported for gender-based violence and summoned to make a statement?
Seek legal advice and avoid improvising: you have the right to be informed of the facts of which you are accused regarding the offence of domestic abuse, to examine the proceedings before making a statement, and to remain silent or not answer any question, in addition to not testifying against yourself in relation to offences of threats, harassment, assault, and others. If there is urgency (detention or measures), prioritise immediate legal assistance.
How long does a gender-based violence procedure take in Madrid?
It depends a lot on the case and the court: some actions concerning domestic crimes can be very quick (for example, a protection order is decided after an urgent hearing that must be convened within 72 hours of the application). The rest of the proceedings can be resolved in weeks or take months depending on evidence, witnesses, reports and whether it is processed as a fast-track trial or not.
What happens to custody and the visitation schedule if there is a domestic violence complaint?
In these gender-based violence proceedings, civil measures can be adopted alongside criminal ones: use of the family home, custody, contact/visitation arrangements, and maintenance, among others. The court will assess the risk and may limit or set conditions to protect minors and the victim.
The main steps in a swift trial (juicio rápido) in Madrid are: 1. **Immediate Policing:** Upon arrest, the arrested person is informed of their rights and the reasons for their detention. 2. **Informing the Prosecutor and Governing Court:** The police immediately inform the Public Prosecutor's Office and the duty governing court (Juzgado de Instrucción en funciones de guardia) of the arrest and the facts. 3. **Detention Period:** The maximum period of police detention is 72 hours. During this time, the police will gather evidence. 4. **Summoning to Court:** The governing court will summon the arrested person, the prosecutor, and the potentially affected party (if applicable) to a hearing within a maximum of 15 days from the arrest. 5. **Hearing (Vista):** In this hearing, the judge will: * Take a statement from the accused. * Listen to the prosecutor's request (which might be to proceed to trial, dismiss the case, or initiate a more complex investigation). * Allow the defence to present their arguments. * If the accused admits guilt and the conditions are met, the judge can immediately approve a sentence (conformidad). * If there is no admission of guilt, the judge will decide whether to proceed to trial (juicio oral) or to initiate a more complex investigation (procedimiento abreviado). 6. **Trial (Juicio Oral):** If the case proceeds to trial, it will be scheduled within a short period, usually a few weeks or months, at the relevant orally judging court (Juzgado de lo Penal). This procedure is applied to certain criminal offences that are considered less complex and for which evidence is readily available. These typically include: * Minor offences (delitos leves). * Certain more serious offences (delitos) that meet specific criteria, such as: * Offences punishable by imprisonment up to three years, or by fine, or by community service. * Offences that have been detected in the act (flagrante delicto). * Offences where the investigation has been completed and the evidence is clear (e.g., by confession, direct evidence). Common examples where a swift trial procedure might be used include: * Minor assaults (lesiones leves). * Petty theft (hurto). * Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (alcoholemia o drogas). * Minor property damage (daños leves). * Certain drug possession offences for personal use. It is essential to note that the swift trial procedure aims to expedite justice for less serious crimes, but it requires that all the necessary documentation and evidence are available and clear from the outset.
A swift trial in Madrid is an accelerated legal procedure used in cases of minor offences. The main steps include arrest, appearance before a judge, presentation of proofs and evidence, and sentencing. This procedure is used for cases that do not require a lengthy trial and are resolved more expeditiously.
Do I need to bring evidence (messages, medical reports, witnesses) to start the process?
It's not essential to have “everything” from day one: you can start with your statement and the available information, and then complete what's necessary later. Even so, it helps to keep and provide whatever you have (messages, photos, medical reports, witnesses). To request measures, the form can be submitted at police stations, Guardia Civil, courts, public prosecutor's offices, Victim Support Offices, social services, or Bar Associations. Our law firm in Madrid can help you gather all the information.