Best Child Abuse Lawyers in Aurich

About Child Abuse Law in Aurich, Germany

Aurich is part of Lower Saxony - the same national and state laws that apply across Germany govern the prevention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse here. Child abuse cases include physical harm, sexual abuse, severe neglect and emotional abuse. Responses involve criminal law, family law and child and youth welfare law. Local authorities such as the Jugendamt - the youth welfare office - the police and the family and criminal courts in Aurich work together with counselling and health services to protect children and to investigate and prosecute offences.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Cases involving child abuse are often legally and emotionally complex. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:

- You are a parent or guardian facing allegations of abuse and need to protect your rights and respond to criminal or family-court proceedings.

- You are a person accused of abusing a child and require criminal defence representation.

- You are a survivor seeking to bring a criminal complaint, to join proceedings as a victim, or to claim compensation.

- You need help obtaining protective orders, modifying custody or custody removal, or initiating emergency family-court measures under the German Civil Code.

- You need advice on preserving and using evidence, interacting with Jugendamt, or applying for legal aid and victim-support services.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks and local procedures relevant in Aurich include:

- Criminal Law - German Criminal Code: Physical abuse, serious bodily harm and sexual offences against children are criminal offences. Sexual offences involving minors are specifically covered by provisions that criminalise sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. Conviction can lead to imprisonment and other criminal consequences.

- Child and Youth Welfare Law - SGB VIII: The Jugendamt has a statutory duty to protect children - including the duty to clarify risks and to initiate protective measures if a child is at risk. Section 8a SGB VIII requires institutions and professionals working with children to act when there is a welfare risk and to cooperate with youth-welfare authorities.

- Family Law - BGB and Family Court Procedures: The Civil Code includes tools for protecting a child when parental care endangers the child - for example under provisions that allow family courts to limit or remove parental custody when necessary to protect the child. The court can appoint a special guardian for the child - called a Verfahrensbeistand - to represent the child’s interests in family proceedings.

- Protection Orders - Law on Protection Against Violence: Domestic protection measures can be obtained to exclude or restrain a person from the family home and to impose contact or proximity prohibitions.

- Victim Rights and Participation: Victims have rights in criminal proceedings. In some serious cases victims - including minors - can take part in criminal proceedings as co-plaintiffs to assert claims for damages and to participate more actively in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I suspect a child in Aurich is being abused?

Immediate steps are to ensure the child is safe - if there is an immediate danger call the police on 110 or emergency services on 112. If the child needs medical attention, seek medical care and tell the treating professional that abuse is suspected so they can document injuries. Contact the Jugendamt in Aurich to report the concern - the Jugendamt is responsible for clarification and protection measures. If you are unsure, you can also contact a local counselling centre for advice.

How does the Jugendamt in Aurich respond to reports of abuse?

When the Jugendamt receives a report indicating a risk to a child, it must investigate and clarify the situation. The office assesses the child’s safety, may conduct home visits, collect information from professionals and can arrange protective measures - such as counselling, temporary care arrangements or emergency placement. If necessary, the Jugendamt works with the family court to secure longer-term protective measures.

Will the police automatically press charges if a report is made?

Police will investigate reports of criminal conduct. Whether charges are filed is a decision for the public prosecutor based on the evidence collected. As a reporting person or victim, you may be interviewed and asked to give a statement. A lawyer can help you understand the process and your options. In many cases, even where a report is made, the public prosecutor may decide the evidence is insufficient to charge - however the investigation itself can trigger protective measures.

Can a child be heard directly in court?

Yes. In family- and criminal-court settings, children may be heard in a child-sensitive way. Family courts can appoint a Verfahrensbeistand - an independent guardian or advisor for the child - to represent the child’s best interests. In criminal matters, special procedures exist to protect child witnesses, including recorded statements and testimony in protected rooms. The court decides how to hear a child in a manner that avoids re-traumatisation.

What protective legal measures are available to keep an alleged abuser away from the child?

Short-term emergency protection can come from the police or from immediate Jugendamt action. Family courts can issue restraining orders and other measures under the Law on Protection Against Violence - for example excluding a person from the shared home. The family court can also limit parental custody or order supervised contact. A lawyer can advise on which route is most appropriate for your case.

Can a parent lose custody because of abuse allegations?

Yes. If the family court finds that a parent’s behaviour seriously endangers the child’s welfare, the court can limit or remove parental custody rights and place the child under protective measures. The court decision is based on the best interests of the child, and the process typically involves reports from Jugendamt and possibly expert assessments. Legal representation is important when custody is at issue.

What evidence is useful in an abuse case?

Useful evidence includes medical records, photographs of injuries, text messages or emails, witness statements, statements to the police or Jugendamt, and documentation of dates and events. If possible preserve any physical evidence and record the chain of custody - but do not put yourself or the child at risk in collecting evidence. Inform professionals and your lawyer about what exists so it can be preserved properly.

How do I find a lawyer in Aurich and what should I look for?

Look for lawyers who specialise in family law (Fachanwalt fuer Familienrecht) or criminal law (Fachanwalt fuer Strafrecht), or who have experience in child protection cases. Ask about their experience with Jugendamt interactions, family court and criminal proceedings involving minors. If cost is an issue ask about legal aid - options include Beratungshilfe for legal advice and Prozesskostenhilfe for court costs. The local court or bar association can help you find specialists.

Are there free or low-cost support services for victims and families in Aurich?

Yes. Victim-support organisations and specialist counselling centres provide free and confidential advice and emotional support. The Jugendamt also provides services and can arrange support measures. In criminal cases, victims may be eligible for state-funded assistance or compensation under victim-protection schemes. A lawyer or local counselling service can explain eligibility and help with applications.

Is reporting abuse mandatory for professionals in Aurich?

Professionals who work with children, such as social workers, teachers and medical staff, have duties under child-protection rules to act and to cooperate with the Jugendamt when they suspect a risk to a child. That duty is part of SGB VIII and regional child-protection obligations. There is not a single nationwide private-party mandatory-reporting law for all citizens, but professionals are required to follow the protection procedures and to notify youth-welfare authorities.

Additional Resources

When you need help, these types of local and regional resources are usually relevant:

- Jugendamt Aurich - the local youth-welfare office handles protection assessments and intervention measures.

- Police Aurich - for reports of immediate danger and for criminal investigations.

- Amtsgericht Aurich - family court matters such as custody, protection orders and court-appointed guardians.

- Local hospitals and children’s emergency departments - for medical examination and documentation of injuries.

- Specialist counselling centres for victims of sexualised violence and child-protection counselling in the Ostfriesland region - for confidential emotional and practical support.

- Victim-support organisations such as national victim assistance bodies and local groups - for practical help and accompaniment through police and court procedures.

- Niedersaechsisches Landesjugendamt and the relevant state ministry - for broader policy and guidance on child protection in Lower Saxony.

Next Steps

If you are dealing with a child abuse concern in Aurich, consider the following practical steps:

- If there is immediate danger call the police on 110 or emergency services on 112.

- Seek urgent medical care for the child if needed and tell medical staff that abuse is suspected so injuries can be documented.

- Contact Jugendamt Aurich to report the concern and request protection and clarification.

- Preserve and document evidence - keep messages, photos and records of incidents - but do not put anyone at risk in trying to collect evidence.

- Contact a lawyer experienced in family or criminal law to understand legal options and to get representation. Ask about legal aid if you cannot afford private counsel.

- Reach out to local counselling and victim-support services for immediate emotional support, practical assistance and guidance through procedures.

- Keep a clear record of contacts, reports and decisions - this helps professionals and lawyers to act effectively on behalf of the child.

Disclaimer - This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation consult a qualified lawyer or an appropriate local authority in Aurich.