Everything You Need to Know About Immediate Police Exclusion Orders (Platzverweis)

Everything You Need to Know About the Immediate Eviction Order (Platzverweis) Issued by the Police in Germany

The immediate eviction order (Platzverweis) is one of the most important preventive measures used by the police in Germany to protect individuals from violence, especially in situations of domestic violence or serious conflicts.
This measure aims to prevent the offender from remaining in a place where they could pose a danger to others, and to give the victim the chance to feel safe and seek legal and social support.

What is an immediate eviction order (Platzverweis)?

An immediate eviction order (Platzverweis) – sometimes referred to as a temporary removal order – is an administrative decision issued by the police at the scene of the incident.
It obliges the suspected or violent person to leave a specific place immediately and not to return there for a fixed period of time.

This instrument is used in particular in cases of:

• domestic violence

• serious threats

• escalating conflicts that may rapidly turn dangerous

When is an eviction order issued?

The police issue an eviction order when their initial risk assessment shows that the person’s continued presence at the scene poses a direct danger to the life or safety of another person. Typical situations include:

• physical or psychological violence against a partner or family member

• threats involving violence or weapons

• serious disputes in public spaces that threaten public safety

Duration of the eviction order

As a rule, an immediate eviction order is valid for about 10 to 14 days, depending on the laws of the respective federal state (Bundesland).
During this period, the evicted person is prohibited from:

• returning to the home or shared residence

• approaching the victim or contacting them in any way, if this is included in the order

Within this time frame, the victim can file a formal application with the court for a longer-term protection order (Schutzanordnung) under the Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz).

What happens if the order is violated?

If the offender violates the eviction order, the police will usually intervene immediately. The person can face criminal consequences, such as:

• financial penalties (fines)

• immediate arrest or being taken into custody

• criminal charges, for example for endangering public safety or disobeying official orders

This underlines the serious nature of the measure and the authorities’ determination to enforce it strictly to protect victims effectively.

The role of the eviction order in protecting families

The Platzverweis is a quick and effective tool for protecting family members in cases of domestic violence. It gives the victim a crucial period of safety to:

• apply for court protection orders

• arrange alternative accommodation if necessary

• get in touch with support centres and specialised organisations

If children are involved, the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) is usually informed to ensure that a safe environment is provided for them and to decide on further protective measures.

Support available for victims

In Germany, there is a broad network of support services for victims of violence, including:

• women’s shelters (Frauenhäuser) and protected accommodation

• free hotlines and emergency phone services

• legal and social counselling centres

These services offer help with:

• legal advice

• safe accommodation

• psychological and social support

• assistance with court proceedings and obtaining protection orders

Victims can often receive immediate and confidential counselling, in many cases even without filing a formal criminal complaint at the outset.

Important advice for victims

If you are exposed to violence or serious threats, you should:

• call the emergency number 110 immediately

• leave the dangerous place as quickly as possible, if it is safe to do so

• collect any supporting evidence (photos, messages, medical reports, witnesses)

• contact specialised support centres and domestic violence services

Conclusion

The immediate eviction order (Platzverweis) is a vital instrument for protecting individuals from violence in Germany and clearly expresses the state’s commitment to safeguarding the physical and psychological integrity of every person.
If you or someone you know is in danger, remember that there are official institutions and specialised organisations ready to support you – and the law is on the side of the victim.

Important German terms

• Platzverweis: immediate eviction / removal order

• Gewaltschutzgesetz: Protection Against Violence Act

• Schutzanordnung: court protection order

• Jugendamt: Youth Welfare Office

• Polizei: police

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The team of writers and editors of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may not be fully confirmed. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as an initial reference only; for binding and up-to-date information, you should always contact the competent authorities and professional bodies.