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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse in Brabrand is handled under Danish national law and local municipal child-welfare services. Brabrand is part of Aarhus Municipality, and child-protection cases there are managed by Aarhus Kommune - Børn og Unge together with the police and health services when criminal conduct or immediate danger is suspected. Danish law treats child abuse seriously and focuses both on the child-safety and the best interest of the child. Two legal tracks are commonly involved - criminal law for acts that may constitute assault, sexual offenses or neglect, and social law under the Social Services Act for protective and welfare interventions. The system aims to secure the child, provide support and treatment, and, where necessary, take legal measures to protect the child from further harm.
Legal help is often needed in child-abuse matters because the issues are emotionally charged and legally complex. Common situations where you may require a lawyer include:
- If you or your child are accused of abuse and face criminal investigation or prosecution. A criminal-defense lawyer can protect legal rights and advise on procedure, evidence and possible outcomes.
- If the municipality is proposing social-welfare measures such as compulsory out-of-home placement, temporary removal or restrictive orders. A lawyer with experience in social law can explain legal grounds for intervention, represent you in administrative hearings and appeals, and challenge decisions if appropriate.
- To obtain or respond to restraining orders or emergency protective measures that affect parental access, custody or residence.
- If you need help making a criminal complaint or ensuring the police and municipality investigate your concerns effectively.
- When negotiating voluntary support measures - for example family counselling or supervised contact - to ensure your and your child-s rights are protected and that agreements are clear.
- To access specialist advice about evidence preservation, medical documentation and the rights of children in legal processes, including the child-s right to be heard and to have representation where appropriate.
Key legal and procedural elements relevant to child-abuse cases in Brabrand include:
- Social Services Act - The Social Services Act lays out the municipality-s responsibilities to assess reports about children at risk and to offer or impose measures to protect children. Measures range from voluntary family support to compulsory placements in foster care or institutional care when the child-s safety cannot be secured otherwise.
- Duty to notify - Professionals who work with children, such as teachers, health staff and child-care workers, have a duty to notify the municipality if they suspect abuse or neglect. Anyone else can also report concerns.
- Police and criminal law - Physical abuse, sexual abuse, serious neglect and other criminal acts are investigated by the police and prosecuted under the Danish Penal Code. Criminal proceedings and social-welfare proceedings can run in parallel.
- Emergency intervention - If a child is in immediate danger, municipal child-protection services can take urgent steps to secure the child-s safety, including temporary removal. Such actions are subject to review and legal safeguards.
- Rights to representation and appeal - Parents and children affected by municipal decisions generally have the right to information, to participate in decisions, and to appeal. Appeals of municipal decisions can be brought to the Social Appeals Board - Ankestyrelsen - and potentially to court thereafter. Legal aid or free representation may be available in some cases.
- Confidentiality and data protection - Child-protection authorities, health services and the police must respect confidentiality rules, but they also share necessary information to protect the child. Complainants and reporters can ask how their information will be used and whether reports can be made anonymously.
If the child is in immediate danger, call emergency services at 112. If there is no immediate danger, contact Aarhus Kommune - Børn og Unge to make a report or contact the police to file a complaint. You should also seek medical attention for the child if injury or sexual abuse is suspected. Record dates, times and observations and keep any physical evidence safe. If you are unsure, ask to speak with child-protection staff - it is better to report than to do nothing.
Yes. Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected may and should report their concerns to the municipality or the police. Professionals working with children have a statutory duty to report suspected harm. Municipalities accept reports from members of the public and will decide whether to open an assessment.
No. The municipality prefers voluntary measures when possible and will usually carry out an assessment and offer support services first. Removal or compulsory placement is considered only if there is a real and immediate risk to the child-s safety and other measures are insufficient. Any emergency removal must be justified and is subject to review and appeals.
The municipality will usually make initial contact to gather more information and decide whether an investigation or assessment is required. They may interview the child, parents and professionals, and involve health services, schools or other specialists. The aim is to assess risk and provide help or protection. You can ask the municipality about the process and what steps they plan to take.
Municipalities generally accept reports from people who wish to remain anonymous, but anonymity may limit the authorities- ability to investigate. Professionals with a duty to report must disclose their identity when making an official notification. If you want to remain anonymous, ask municipal staff how they handle anonymous reports and what information is needed to proceed.
Parents have the right to be informed about decisions that affect their child, to participate in meetings, and to express their views. If the municipality proposes restrictive measures, parents have the right to be heard and to appeal decisions. Parents have the right to legal representation, and legal aid may be available depending on circumstances. If removal or compulsory measures are proposed, seek legal advice promptly.
Seek medical care as soon as possible and tell medical staff that you suspect sexual abuse so that appropriate examinations and evidence-collection can be arranged. Avoid washing the child-s body or clothing if you believe recent assault has occurred and preserve any possible evidence in a paper bag. Report the matter to the police who can coordinate forensic examinations and criminal investigation.
Yes. Danish law recognizes that children should be heard in matters that concern them, in a manner appropriate to their age and maturity. Child-protection workers are trained to interview children carefully, and courts or authorities may appoint a representative for the child in contested cases. You can ask how the child-s voice will be included and request specialist interviewers or support where needed.
Yes. If there is a threat to the child-s safety, the police can enact protective measures and courts can issue restraining orders against alleged offenders. The municipality can also take protective measures under social law. If you believe a restraining order is needed, contact the police and seek legal advice to understand the options and how to proceed.
They can run in parallel. The police handle criminal investigations and possible prosecution under the Penal Code, while the municipality assesses welfare and protection needs under the Social Services Act. A criminal acquittal or conviction does not automatically prevent municipal protective measures, and vice versa. Each process has different standards and objectives - criminal law focuses on prosecuting crimes, while social law focuses on the child-s best interest and safety.
Below are types of resources and organizations that can be helpful when dealing with child-abuse issues in Brabrand. Contact the appropriate local office in Aarhus Municipality for immediate municipal support.
- Aarhus Kommune - Børn og Unge - local child-welfare services responsible for reports, assessments and family support measures in Brabrand.
- Danish National Police - for criminal complaints, investigations and protective measures.
- Ankestyrelsen - the National Social Appeals Board that handles appeals against municipal child-welfare decisions.
- Børns Vilkår - national child-protection NGO offering advice and support for children and families.
- Red Barnet - the Danish branch of Save the Children, providing counselling and support on child rights.
- Child-and-adolescent mental health services - local health services that provide assessment and treatment for children who have experienced trauma.
- Local legal aid clinics and private family-law attorneys - for advice on representation, appeals and criminal defence. Ask about eligibility for free legal aid or reduced-fee assistance when finances are limited.
If you need legal assistance in Brabrand regarding child abuse, follow these steps to protect the child and protect your legal rights:
- Step 1 - Ensure immediate safety. If the child is at risk right now, call emergency services at 112.
- Step 2 - Seek medical care. If there are injuries or suspected sexual abuse, a health professional should examine the child for treatment and evidence collection.
- Step 3 - Report the concern. Contact Aarhus Kommune - Børn og Unge or the police to register your concerns. Be prepared to give factual information about what you observed, when and where.
- Step 4 - Document and preserve evidence. Keep notes with dates and times, preserve physical evidence and retain relevant records such as messages or medical reports.
- Step 5 - Get legal advice. Contact a lawyer who specialises in child-protection and criminal law in Denmark. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about eligibility for legal aid or free representation.
- Step 6 - Ask for information. Request from the municipality or police clear information about what will happen next, likely timelines and how you and the child will be involved.
- Step 7 - Seek support. Use local and national organisations for emotional support, counselling and practical help for the child and family.
- Step 8 - Protect privacy. Keep the child-s situation confidential and follow guidance from authorities about contact, statements and social-media posts to avoid harming the child-s welfare or legal processes.
Remember that this guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised legal advice. Laws and procedures change over time, so consult a qualified local lawyer to get advice tailored to your situation in Brabrand and Aarhus Municipality.
