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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse covers a wide range of harmful conduct toward children - physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological maltreatment, neglect, and exploitation. In Guia, Spain, as elsewhere in the country, child-protection matters are handled through a mix of criminal, civil and administrative law. Criminal law punishes conduct such as assault, sexual offenses and exploitation. Civil and family courts decide custody, guardianship and protective measures. Social services and specialized public agencies evaluate risk to a child and can order temporary protective measures, placement outside the home or family support interventions. The Juvenile Prosecutor's Office, family and criminal courts, local social services and law-enforcement agencies all play coordinated roles when a child is at risk.
Legal situations involving child abuse are often urgent, complex and emotionally charged. You may need a lawyer if you are:
- The alleged victim or the parent or guardian of a victim and you need to report abuse, protect the child, or assert custody or visitation rights.
- Accused of abusing a child and you need criminal defence to protect your rights and to understand potential consequences.
- Dealing with interventions by social services that threaten to remove a child from the home and you need to challenge or negotiate those measures.
- Seeking restraining or protection orders against an alleged abuser to keep a child and family safe.
- Pursuing civil compensation for damage caused by abuse or negligence.
- Navigating juvenile-proceedings where the child is alleged to have committed an offense or where the court must decide protective or educational measures.
- Needing help with cross-border issues - for example if the child or family members are foreign nationals, or if evidence and witnesses are in other countries.
A lawyer experienced in family law, juvenile law and criminal law can explain the legal options, represent you in court, protect the child s rights and help coordinate with police, prosecutors and social services.
Several legal instruments may apply in Guia. Key points to understand include:
- Criminal Code - Conduct that injures or endangers a child - including physical assault, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, grooming and trafficking - is prosecuted under the criminal code. Sexual relations with someone under the legal age of consent are treated as sexual offenses. The age of consent in Spain is 16.
- Juvenile Justice Law - Cases involving minors who are alleged to have committed crimes are handled under the law regulating juvenile responsibility. These procedures focus on protection, education and measures appropriate for minors rather than adult punishment.
- Law on the Legal Protection of Minors - Civil and administrative frameworks grant authorities and courts the power to adopt protective measures for children s welfare. These measures can include removal from the family home, temporary placement with relatives or foster care, supervised visitation, or appointment of guardians or custodians.
- Family Courts and Protection Measures - Family courts address custody, visitation and protection orders. Courts can also issue precautionary measures - for example restraining orders or orders limiting contact between the alleged abuser and the child - pending investigation or trial.
- Role of Social Services and Prosecutors - Social services assess the child s immediate safety and needs and may propose protective measures to the family court. The Juvenile Prosecutor s Office investigates and, when appropriate, brings cases before the competent court. In urgent situations, police and social services can take immediate protective action to safeguard a child.
- Mandatory Reporting and Professional Duties - Professionals who work with children - health workers, teachers and social workers - have duties to notify authorities when they suspect abuse. Specific reporting duties and procedures can vary by region and by sector.
- Legal Aid - Free legal assistance - asistencia jurídica gratuita - is available for people who meet income and other legal criteria. Local bar associations and legal aid offices can advise about eligibility and the application process.
If you suspect a child is being abused, report your concerns to local police, Guardia Civil or Policía Local, the local social services office of the Ayuntamiento de Guia, or the Juvenile Prosecutor s Office. If the child is in immediate danger call emergency services. Do not delay reporting because early action can prevent further harm.
Anyone can report suspected abuse - relatives, neighbours, teachers, medical staff and friends. Professionals who work with children often have specific legal obligations to report. Reports can be made by the child themselves, by parents or by third parties who are concerned.
Authorities will assess the situation. This can include a police or social-services investigation, medical examinations, interviews with the child and family and, if necessary, immediate protective measures. The Prosecutor s Office may open criminal proceedings and the family court may consider precautionary protective orders. The process aims first to secure the child s safety while evidence is gathered.
Yes. If authorities determine the child faces a serious and immediate risk, social services or a court can order temporary removal from the home and place the child in protective care - with relatives, foster care or a specialized institution. Courts prefer the least restrictive measures necessary and may authorize supervised contact or family support measures as alternatives.
Protective measures can include temporary removal from the home, supervised visitation, restraining orders against a suspected abuser, emergency placement, psychological and medical care, and family support services. A judge decides measures based on the child s best interests and the recommendations of social services and prosecutors.
No - anyone can report abuse. However, a lawyer is very helpful once authorities become involved - for representing the child or family in court, challenging or requesting protective measures, guiding interactions with police and social services, and protecting legal rights during criminal proceedings.
If you are accused, seek legal representation immediately. Do not speak to police or prosecutors without a lawyer present if you can avoid it. A defence lawyer will advise you about your rights, possible interim measures like restrictions on contact, and the criminal process. Prompt legal action can affect detention, precautionary measures and defence strategy.
Authorities generally try to protect the privacy of child victims and sensitive information. Certain professionals must keep case details confidential, but necessary information is shared with public agencies involved in protection or prosecution. If you are involved in a case, ask your lawyer about confidentiality safeguards and what information may be shared publicly or with the other parties.
Yes - victims or their representatives can pursue civil claims for damages against the abuser or responsible parties, including institutions that neglected supervision. Compensation claims can cover medical costs, psychological treatment, pain and suffering and other losses. A lawyer can assess the viability of a claim and advise on procedures and deadlines.
Look for lawyers who specialise in family law, juvenile law and criminal defence. Contact the local bar association - the Colegio de Abogados - for referrals and to confirm credentials. Ask potential lawyers about their experience with child-protection cases, their approach to protecting the child s best interests, fees and whether you may qualify for legal aid.
When seeking help or information in Guia, consider contacting or consulting the following types of organizations and bodies - they can provide support, reporting channels and specialised services:
- Ayuntamiento de Santa María de Guia - Servicios Sociales - local social-services office that assesses child welfare and can arrange emergency protection or family support.
- Fiscalía de Menores - Juvenile Prosecutor s Office that handles investigations and prosecutions involving minors.
- Juzgados de Familia and Juzgados de Menores - family and juvenile courts that issue protection orders and decide custody and other measures.
- Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional and Policía Local - law-enforcement agencies that attend urgent reports and investigate crimes.
- Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Las Palmas - local bar association that provides lawyer referrals and information about legal aid.
- Regional authorities for child protection in the Canary Islands - the autonomous community department that implements child-protection programs and policies.
- National and regional NGOs that support children - organisations that offer helplines, psychological support and advice, including specialised child-protection foundations and emergency helplines for minors.
- Health services and hospital paediatric departments - for medical examination and documentation of injuries or abuse.
- Psychological and social-care professionals - for assessment, therapy and trauma support for children and families.
If you or a child need help now - contact emergency services or local police immediately. If the situation is not an immediate emergency but you suspect abuse, take these steps:
- Make a report to local social services, the police or the Juvenile Prosecutor s Office so the situation is assessed and protective measures can be considered.
- Seek medical attention and obtain documentation of any injuries. Medical records can be important evidence and help protect the child s health.
- Preserve evidence - keep relevant messages, photos, medical reports and notes about dates, times and witnesses.
- Contact a lawyer with experience in child-protection, juvenile and family law. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about asistencia jurídica gratuita - legal aid - through the local bar association or courts.
- Ask for psychological support for the child and family. Early therapeutic help can reduce long-term harm.
- Keep detailed records of contacts with authorities and professionals, and follow up with social services and the prosecutor s office to stay informed about steps taken.
Child-protection cases are sensitive and require prompt, coordinated action. A lawyer can guide you through reporting, court proceedings and interactions with social services while helping to protect the child s rights and welfare.
