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 in Chur is addressed through a combination of federal criminal law, cantonal public safety structures, and civil child-protection measures. Acts of physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and serious neglect can lead to criminal investigations by the cantonal police and prosecution by public prosecutors. Separately, the cantonal child and adult protection authority - the Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde (KESB) Graubünden - has powers to assess risks to a child and to order protective measures such as supervision, placement outside the home, or guardianship. Health, social services, schools, and non-governmental organisations also play roles in supporting children and families and in initiating referrals. The legal system aims both to protect the child and to investigate potential criminal conduct, often running in parallel.
You may need a lawyer if you are a parent, guardian, caregiver, alleged victim, or person accused in a child abuse matter. Legal advice helps you understand rights, obligations, and the likely steps authorities will take. A lawyer can protect procedural rights during criminal investigations, advise on interactions with KESB, represent you in civil or criminal proceedings, help obtain or challenge protective orders, and assist with custody or family-law consequences. Lawyers also help navigate medical and forensic evidence issues, requests for legal aid, and international complications such as cross-border custody or immigration status.
Common situations where people seek legal help include:
- When the police open a criminal investigation into alleged abuse.
- When KESB seeks to place a child outside the home or to impose supervision.
- When a parent wants to challenge protective measures or seeks custody rights.
- When a caregiver or professional is accused and needs defence representation.
- When victims seek compensation, protection orders, or support services.
Key legal principles and institutions relevant in Chur and the canton of Graubünden include:
- Federal criminal law - Acts that harm a child physically or sexually are prosecuted under the Swiss Criminal Code. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence and the age of those involved.
- Juvenile and child-sensitive procedures - Cases involving minors are handled with special safeguards to protect the child s privacy and wellbeing. Interventions aim to avoid secondary trauma and to use child-sensitive interviewing and forensic methods.
- KESB - The cantonal child and adult protection authority assesses risk and can order measures to protect a child s welfare. Measures are generally administrative and civil in nature - for example, supervised contact, counselling requirements, temporary placement, or appointment of a guardian.
- Cantonal police and public prosecutor - The Kantonspolizei Graubünden conducts criminal investigations and forwards cases to the public prosecutor where appropriate. For serious offences, prosecution may proceed even without a formal complaint by the victim.
- Victim rights - Victims and their legal representatives have rights to information, to participate in criminal proceedings as injured parties, to access victim support services, and to claim compensation and protective measures.
- Confidentiality and data protection - Proceedings that involve children are subject to confidentiality rules to protect the child s identity and personal data. Professionals working with children often have mandatory reporting responsibilities or internal reporting rules within institutions.
- Legal aid - People with limited means may be eligible for state-funded legal representation in civil and criminal proceedings. Eligibility and scope are determined by cantonal rules and court assessment of financial need.
Child abuse can include physical violence, sexual acts with or toward a child, severe neglect that endangers health or development, and repeated emotional abuse. Swiss criminal law condemns acts that cause bodily harm, sexual offences, and coercion. Separately, KESB can act when the child s welfare is at risk, even if no crime is established.
You can report concerns to the Kantonspolizei Graubünden, to KESB Graubünden, or to child protection services. Schools, medical professionals, and social services often have internal procedures and can help make a report. If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away. When you report, give as much factual information as possible - who, what, when, where - without conducting your own investigation.
Authorities will assess the information. The police may open a criminal investigation if an offence is alleged. KESB may open a welfare assessment and propose protective measures to secure the child s safety. Medical and social assessments may be arranged. Measures are tailored to the child s needs and the seriousness of the situation. Parents or guardians will usually be informed and have an opportunity to respond, unless informing them would increase risk to the child.
Yes, if KESB finds that the child s wellbeing is in serious and immediate danger and less intrusive measures are insufficient, the authority can order the child s temporary placement outside the home. Removal is considered a last resort and should be proportionate. Parents have rights to challenge removal and to participate in proceedings, and they should seek legal advice promptly.
Not always. For many serious offences against children, prosecutors can proceed even without a formal complaint by the victim. However, a victim or guardian can file a complaint and pursue injured-party status in criminal proceedings. Victim support services can explain options and assist with the complaint process.
Victims have rights to information about the case, to be heard during proceedings, to seek compensation for damages, and to access protective measures such as restraining orders. Victim support organisations offer legal and psychological assistance. A lawyer can help assert injured-party rights and ensure the victim s interests are represented.
If there are medical concerns or possible forensic evidence, seek immediate medical care at an emergency department experienced in child assessments. Medical professionals can treat injuries, document findings, and where appropriate arrange forensic examinations. It is important to preserve potential evidence - avoid washing clothing or surfaces and seek professional guidance promptly.
If you are accused, contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately. A lawyer will advise on how to interact with police and prosecutors, protect your rights during questioning, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, prepare a defence, and represent you in court. Early legal involvement reduces the risk of procedural missteps and helps ensure a fair process.
Yes, people with limited financial resources can apply for legal aid in civil and criminal cases. Cantonal rules determine eligibility and the scope of support. There are also victim assistance services and NGO helplines that provide free counselling and initial legal information. A lawyer or victim support service can help you apply for legal aid.
Cross-border cases - for example where a child or parent has another nationality or the alleged abuse occurred in another country - add legal complexity. International child-protection rules, immigration considerations, and mutual legal assistance may apply. Seek specialised legal advice that covers family, criminal, and international law to address custody, return, residence, and prosecution issues.
- Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde (KESB) Graubünden - the cantonal child and adult protection authority that handles welfare assessments and protective measures.
- Kantonspolizei Graubünden - local police authority responsible for criminal investigations and immediate safety interventions.
- Staatsanwaltschaft Graubünden - the public prosecutor s office that conducts prosecutions in criminal matters.
- Opferhilfe Graubünden or cantonal victim support services - organisations that provide legal information, counselling, and practical support to victims of crime.
- Kinderschutz Schweiz - a national organisation focused on child protection policies, resources, and guidance.
- Pro Juventute - a nationwide organisation offering advice and support for children and families.
- Local hospitals and emergency departments with paediatric care - for medical treatment and forensic examinations when abuse is suspected.
- Family lawyers and criminal defence attorneys in Chur - professionals with experience in child-protection, family, and criminal law.
- Ensure immediate safety - If a child is in immediate danger, call emergency services or the police. Safety is the priority.
- Seek medical care - If there are injuries or if you suspect recent abuse, get medical attention promptly. Medical documentation can be critical.
- Report to authorities - Contact KESB Graubünden or the cantonal police to report concerns. You can also seek help from school staff or health professionals who can assist with reporting.
- Contact victim support - Reach out to victim support organisations for emotional, practical, and initial legal guidance.
- Get legal advice - Consult a lawyer experienced in child-protection and criminal law to understand rights, options, and likely outcomes. Ask about legal aid if you have limited means.
- Preserve evidence and document facts - Keep a factual record of dates, events, witnesses, medical records, and communications. Avoid conducting your own investigations that could risk safety or evidence integrity.
- Follow protective plans - If KESB or the police implement protective measures, cooperate where appropriate while seeking legal advice if you wish to challenge measures.
- Keep the child s best interests central - All decisions and legal steps should prioritise the child s safety, physical and mental health, and long-term welfare.
If you are unsure where to begin, contact a local victim support service or a family-law solicitor in Chur for confidential initial guidance tailored to your situation.
