Domestic violence is one of the most serious and hidden forms of violence in society. When abuse occurs within the four walls of the home – from a partner, parent or other close person – it not only affects the body, but also trust, security and dignity.
Many people who are in, or have come out of, violent relationships find it difficult to ask for help, or simply understand that what they are experiencing is actually criminal.
Domestic violence encompasses more than physical violence. It is about power and control in relationships where there are strong emotional or familial ties. The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual, material or economic.
Examples of such violence may include:
In many cases, the abuse occurs repeatedly over time. It is not always easy to put into words, but there are legal tools to put an end to the violence and protect the victim.
In the Norwegian Criminal Code, abuse in close relationships is regulated in Section 282. This refers to it as a criminal offense to subject a close person to repeated physical or psychological violence, threats, deprivation of liberty or other serious violation.
The penalty framework for abuse in close relationships is:
The law recognizes that the relationship between victim and perpetrator makes such acts particularly stressful. Therefore, this type of violence is treated as a separate category with heightened seriousness.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you are generally entitled to legal assistance and free legal aid. This provides you with free legal advice, where a lawyer can assist you with:
At Insa lawyers, we also offer a free and non-binding initial consultation, where we give you an overview of your rights and what measures may be appropriate in your situation. The consultation is completely confidential.
We have extensive experience with cases involving domestic and intimate partner violence. Contact our legal aid lawyers to book an initial consultation.
If you have been the victim of a serious criminal offense, you may be entitled to free legal assistance through a legal aid lawyer. This is an important right that many people are not aware of – and which can be crucial to getting the support and security you need.
In this article, we explain who is entitled to a legal aid lawyer, what the lawyer can assist with, and how to go about having one appointed.
A legal aid lawyer is a lawyer who looks after your interests as an injured party or victim in a criminal case. The lawyer supports you throughout the entire process – from the complaint and investigation to the trial and any compensation claims – and will ensure that your rights are followed up.
You are entitled to free legal assistance in a number of serious cases, including:
In addition, the court may consider that you need legal assistance in other serious cases, even if this is not directly required by law. This is especially true if the case is burdensome, you are in a vulnerable situation, or you have difficulty safeguarding your rights on your own.
Children under the age of 18 are generally entitled to legal representation in all relevant cases – even if they have witnessed serious violence or abuse.
The legal aid lawyer will help ensure that you are heard, understood and well taken care of throughout the case. The lawyer can help you with, among other things:
In many cases, the lawyer will also be able to give you guidance about other rights – for example, access to healthcare, crisis centers or other support services.
No. If you are entitled to legal assistance, the public sector covers all costs. You pay nothing yourself, and there is no deductible.
If you want assistance in a case where the court does not grant an appointment, you must cover the costs yourself. A lawyer can help you assess whether there are grounds for free assistance, and if necessary, submit an application to the court.
In most serious cases, the police or the court will inform you if you are entitled to legal assistance. You are free to suggest which lawyer you want. The court will usually take this into account – as long as the lawyer has the necessary competence and capacity.
If you do not have a specific lawyer in mind, the court will appoint one for you. You can also contact a lawyer who works with such cases directly.
At Insa advokater, we have extensive experience in assisting people affected by criminal acts. We offer a free and non-binding assessment of your case, and can help you to appoint a legal aid lawyer where appropriate.
Contact our criminal law lawyers for a non-binding assessment of your case.
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