Domestic Violence in Estonia — Your Rights and What to Do

1. What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is not limited to physical hitting. Under Estonian law and international standards, domestic violence encompasses four types of abuse:

• Physical violence — hitting, pushing, hair-pulling, strangling, throwing objects, restraining, kicking, slapping
• Psychological violence — threatening, humiliating, controlling behavior, isolating from friends and family, constant criticism, gaslighting, jealousy-driven surveillance
• Sexual violence — forced sexual intercourse (including within marriage), sexual humiliation, coerced sexual acts
• Economic violence — controlling finances, forbidding work, destroying property, taking on debts in your name, withholding access to bank accounts

In Estonia, domestic violence affects people of all nationalities, genders, and social backgrounds. According to the Estonian Institute of Human Rights, approximately 1 in 5 women in Estonia has experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. Men can also be victims.

2. What Estonian law says

Since 2019, domestic violence in Estonia is a public prosecution offence. This was a major legal change that significantly strengthened victim protection:

What this means in practice:

• Police must investigate every domestic violence case reported
• The abuser cannot pressure you into withdrawing the complaint — the prosecution continues regardless
• Neighbors, doctors, and anyone else can also report domestic violence to the police
• Threatening someone is a separate criminal offence (Penal Code § 120), punishable by up to 1 year in prison
• Stalking is also criminalized under Penal Code § 137¹

3. What to do: step-by-step guide

Step 1: Ensure your safety

• If you are in immediate danger, call 112
• Go to a safe place — a neighbor's home, a shop, a gas station, a police station
• Take your documents (ID card, passport, residence permit), phone, keys, and cash
• If possible, take children's documents as well
• Prepare a "go bag" in advance with essentials if you suspect violence may escalate

Step 2: Document the evidence

• Photograph injuries (even minor ones) with your phone — include timestamps
• Photograph broken items, mess in the apartment, damaged property
• Save threatening messages (WhatsApp, SMS, email, social media) — take screenshots
• Write down what happened: when, where, what was said, who witnessed it
• Visit a doctor — medical records documenting injuries are crucial evidence in court
• If neighbors heard or saw anything, note their names — they can be witnesses

Step 3: Report to the police

• Call 112 (emergency) or 612 3000 (Police and Border Guard Board general line)
• Or go to the nearest police station in person
• Or file a report online at politsei.ee
• You have the right to an interpreter if you do not speak Estonian — tell the dispatcher you need English
• Ask for a copy of the police report for your records

Step 4: Seek support

• Call the victim helpline 116 006 — available 24/7, free, anonymous, with English-speaking counselors
• Contact a women's support centre (naiste tugikeskus) — safe shelter + counseling + legal help
• Apply for state legal aid — a free lawyer if your income is low
• Contact the Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet) for victim support services

4. Restraining order — how to apply

A restraining order (lähenemiskeeld) prohibits the abuser from approaching you, contacting you, and staying in your shared home. This is one of the most powerful legal tools available to you.

How to apply for a restraining order:

1. Submit an application to the county court (maakohus) in your area of residence
2. Describe the threat — incidents of violence, threats, your fear for your safety
3. Attach evidence — police reports, medical records, photographs, screenshots of messages
4. The court can decide within 1–3 days (expedited procedure)
5. Violating a restraining order is a criminal offence (Penal Code § 331²), punishable by up to 1 year in prison

The restraining order can include:

• Prohibition to approach you within a specified distance (e.g., 100 meters)
• Prohibition to contact you by phone, email, or through third parties
• Obligation to leave the shared home
• Prohibition to visit your workplace, children's school, or other specified locations

5. Protection of children

If there are children in the family, their protection is a special priority under Estonian law:

• Children witnessing domestic violence is considered psychological abuse of the child
• Call the child helpline 116 111 (free, 24/7) to report concerns about a child
• The local municipality (kohalik omavalitsus) is obligated to ensure children's safety
• The court can grant sole custody to the non-violent parent
• A violent parent may lose visitation rights or have supervised visitation only
• Under the Child Protection Act, any person who suspects a child is in danger must report it

6. Special rights for foreigners and expats

If you are a foreigner living in Estonia, you have additional protections and options:

• Residence permit protection: If your residence permit depends on your spouse (e.g., family reunification), you can apply for an independent residence permit on the grounds of domestic violence under the Aliens Act § 62
• Language rights: You have the right to an interpreter in all legal proceedings, including police interviews, court hearings, and meetings with social workers
• Consular help: Your embassy can provide consular assistance, including emergency travel documents if your abuser has taken your passport
• EU citizens: Under EU Directive 2012/29/EU (Victims' Directive), you have the same rights as Estonian citizens in criminal proceedings
• Non-EU citizens: Victim support services are available regardless of your immigration status

7. Free help and contacts

Women's support centres provide FREE:

• Safe shelter (including for children)
• Psychological counseling
• Legal counseling and representation
• Help with paperwork, documents, and bureaucracy
• Support during court proceedings
• Assistance with finding housing and employment

Additional resources for English speakers:

• Settle in Estonia — integration support for newcomers
• Estonian Bar Association — find an English-speaking lawyer
• Estonian Human Rights Centre — legal advice for vulnerable groups

8. Your rights as a victim

Estonian law gives domestic violence victims extensive rights:

• Right to protection — police must ensure your safety immediately upon being notified
• Right to information — you must be informed of the progress and outcome of the investigation in a language you understand
• Right to an interpreter — free interpretation in all legal proceedings
• Right to victim support — free counseling and support from the Social Insurance Board
• Right to compensation — the offender must compensate for damages (medical costs, therapy, lost income)
• Right to state legal aid — free lawyer if you cannot afford one
• Right to privacy — your personal data will not be disclosed to the media
• Right to be heard — you can present your views and provide evidence at every stage of the proceedings
• Right to safety measures — the court can impose conditions on the offender's bail to protect you