11. března 2025
The Czech Republic has finally adopted a clear definition of domestic violence, expanded protection for victims, and stricter rules for restraining perpetrators.
The law, whose wording was co-created by the proFem legal team within the NeNa Coalition, was expected to come into force in July.
Key changes introduced by the law:
The first clear definition of domestic violence in Czech law
- Domestic violence will finally be precisely defined in the Civil Code.
- It includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence, as well as controlling behavior.
Expanded protection for victims
Victims may include partners, children, and seniors—regardless of whether they have ever lived together.- The law also protects victims after leaving the abuser, addressing stalking and harassment following the end of a relationship.
Clearer rules in court proceedings
- Mediation between the victim and the perpetrator is prohibited in cases of domestic violence.
Changes in misdemeanor and criminal proceedings
- Contact between the victim and the perpetrator is prohibited both before and after individual procedural acts in criminal proceedings (e.g. interrogations, court hearings).
- Victims’ rights are also extended to misdemeanor proceedings—they are now entitled to a support person and to a more sensitive approach by authorities, the same as in criminal proceedings.
