Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse is taken seriously across Sweden, including in Östersund. Child abuse covers physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The legal framework combines criminal law - primarily the Swedish Penal Code (Brottsbalken) - with child protection rules under the Social Services Act (Socialtjänstlagen) and family law provisions. Municipal social services in Östersund have a duty to investigate and protect children when there are concerns. Police and prosecutors handle criminal investigations and possible charges. Sweden has also incorporated the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into national practice, which affects how authorities must consider the best interests of the child.
There are many situations in child abuse matters where legal help can be important:
- If you or a family member is accused of abusing a child - to protect legal rights during police investigations, interrogation and any criminal proceedings.
- If social services propose removing a child from home or placing a child in alternative care - to challenge decisions or to represent parents in administrative proceedings.
- In custody, visitation and parental responsibility disputes where abuse allegations affect decisions about where a child should live.
- To seek compensation for a child or family who has been harmed - for example seeking crime-victim compensation.
- To obtain protective measures - for example applying for a restraining order or contact prohibition.
- To guide a child or parent through interviews at a Barnahus or other forensic assessments and to ensure the child s legal interests are represented.
- When you need to appeal decisions by social services, the police or other public bodies - appeals often require specialist knowledge of administrative or criminal law.
The following legal elements are most relevant in Östersund and throughout Sweden:
- The Swedish Penal Code (Brottsbalken) - defines criminal offences such as assault, sexual offences, child sexual abuse, exploitation and related crimes. Criminal investigations are handled by the local police and prosecuted by the prosecutor s office.
- Social Services Act (Socialtjänstlagen) - gives municipal social services the responsibility and authority to investigate reports of child abuse, to offer support and to take protective measures when a child s safety or development is at risk. Social services in Östersund are the first point of contact for non-urgent concerns about a child s welfare.
- Family law - rules on custody, parental responsibility and residence can be decisive when abuse allegations arise in separation or divorce cases. Courts weigh the child s best interests when making custody and contact decisions.
- Child-rights principles - the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child influences how authorities must consider the child s views and best interests in decision-making.
- Mandatory reporting for certain professionals - teachers, health-care workers and others who work with children have obligations to notify social services when they suspect abuse. Ordinary citizens can also report concerns.
- Procedural protections for children - special interview methods, Barnahus centres and video recording are used to reduce trauma and to produce reliable evidence for investigations and trials.
Child abuse includes physical violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, psychological or emotional abuse and neglect. The Penal Code covers acts that are criminal in nature, while neglect and other welfare concerns are handled under the Social Services Act.
If a child is in immediate danger, call emergency services - dial 112. For non-urgent concerns, you can contact Östersund social services to make a report, or file a police report. Professionals who suspect abuse must notify social services.
No. Social services will normally investigate and try to support the family first. Removal or temporary placement is a serious measure used only when there is a clear and immediate risk to the child. Decisions can be appealed to an administrative court.
Social services usually open an investigation to assess the child s needs and risks. If there is a suspected crime, the police may open a criminal investigation. Children may be interviewed in child-friendly settings such as a Barnahus to reduce repeated questioning.
Yes, anonymous reports can be made. However, it may be harder for authorities to follow up without contact details. If you are uncertain, explain your concerns and ask how the information will be used and what follow-up you can expect.
A Barnahus is a child-friendly centre where children can be interviewed and medically examined by trained professionals in one place. The model aims to protect the child from repeated interviews and to gather evidence in a sensitive way for social services and police.
Not always, but a lawyer can help if you need to ensure your child s legal rights are protected, if you want to pursue compensation, or if there are disputes with social services or other parties. A lawyer can also help coordinate with prosecutors and support services.
If you are accused, contact a lawyer immediately. You have rights during police questioning and criminal proceedings, and a lawyer can advise you on how to respond, what evidence to gather and how to protect your legal interests.
Yes. Special procedures are used to protect child witnesses, including pre-recorded interviews and restrictions on direct courtroom questioning. The court will take the child s age and maturity into account and prioritize the child s well-being.
Legal aid - rättshjälp - may be available depending on income, the type of case and the legal work needed. Criminal defendants often receive public counsel. Ask a licensed lawyer or the local legal aid office about eligibility and applications.
When seeking help in Östersund, consider contacting or learning about the following types of organizations and authorities - these bodies provide investigation, support, counselling or legal processes:
- Östersund municipal social services - for child protection assessments and family support.
- Local police in Östersund - for criminal reports and investigations.
- Barnahus or child advocacy services in the Jämtland region - for child-friendly forensic interviews and coordinated assessments.
- Victim support organisations - for practical and emotional support to victims and families.
- National authorities such as the National Board of Health and Welfare and the Public Prosecutor s Office - for guidance on standards and procedures.
- Child-focused NGOs - such as children s helplines and counselling services - for advice and support for children and parents.
- Legal aid providers or a specialist family or criminal lawyer - for advice on rights, appeals and representation.
If you are dealing with a suspected or confirmed child abuse situation in Östersund, consider this practical checklist:
- Immediate danger: call emergency services - 112.
- Seek medical care if the child is hurt or has health concerns.
- Preserve evidence where possible - for example note dates, times, descriptions and keep messages or photos that may be relevant.
- Contact social services in Östersund to report concerns and ask about available support for the child and family.
- If a crime may have been committed, report to the police and request information about the investigative process.
- Consider legal advice early - especially if the child may be removed, if you are accused, or if you want to pursue compensation.
- Use local support services for emotional and practical help for the child and caregivers.
- Keep records of all contacts with authorities and professionals - names, dates and what was said - this can be helpful in investigations and any legal proceedings.
If you are unsure where to start, contacting social services or a local victim support organisation in Östersund can help you find the right next step and any available legal assistance.
