Coercion
No one can force you to do what you don't want to do. We help you put a stop to the situation or defend yourself if you are accused.
What it involves
Coercion (coacciones) means preventing someone, through violence or intimidation, from doing something the law does not forbid, or forcing them to do something they don't want to do. It is common in housing, relationship or work disputes, and can be tried as a full criminal offence or as a minor offence depending on how serious it is.
Is this your case?
- Your landlord has cut off your water or electricity to make you leave the flat.
- Someone is preventing you from collecting your belongings or entering your home.
- Your ex-partner controls your phone or stops you from going out with your friends.
- You have been reported for coercion in a dispute with a tenant or a neighbour.
How we help
We analyse what happened, gather evidence such as messages, witnesses or police reports, and file the complaint or defend you if you are the person reported. When the conflict stems from a tenancy or an employment relationship, we also seek a solution through the civil or employment courts so that the problem doesn't happen again. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
If there are also threats, see our page on threats, and if the problem comes from your tenancy, we help you with leases.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between threats and coercion?
- With threats, future harm is announced. With coercion, someone is prevented from doing something they have the right to do, or forced to do something they don't want to, using violence or intimidation at that moment.
- My landlord has changed the lock without a court order. What should I do?
- Don't try to force your way in. Call the police so there is an official record, keep evidence and talk to us: throwing someone out of their home without court proceedings can be an offence of coercion.
- My employer is keeping my passport. Are they allowed to?
- No. No one can keep your passport or your documents to put pressure on you. It may be a crime and also an employment problem. We help you get them back and protect your residence situation.
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We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.