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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse in Solna is addressed through a combination of Swedish criminal law, social services law, and child protection practice. Criminal acts such as physical assault, sexual abuse, neglect, and threats are prosecuted under the Swedish Penal Code. At the same time, Solna social services (socialtjänsten) have a statutory responsibility to assess and protect a child's welfare and to take measures when a child’s health or development is at risk. Specialized services such as Barnahus (child advocacy centres), police units trained in child investigations, and victim support organisations can assist children and families during investigations and legal proceedings. The overall aim of the system is to protect the child, ensure appropriate criminal accountability where relevant, and provide support and rehabilitation.
You may need legal help in a child abuse matter for many reasons - the stakes are high, and the processes can be legally and emotionally complex. Common situations that call for a lawyer include:
- If you or your child are the victim of a criminal offence and you want guidance on reporting to the police, participating in the investigation, or seeking compensation.
- If social services are proposing interventions that could lead to supervision, placement outside the home, or compulsory care under the Care of Young Persons Act - you may need representation to protect parental or child rights and to present evidence and alternatives.
- If there are allegations against you as a parent or caregiver and you face criminal investigation or risk losing custody.
- If you need help applying for interim protective measures such as contact bans (kontaktförbud) or restraining orders.
- If you want to secure immediate medical or psychological care and understand who pays and how to document treatment for legal purposes.
- If you wish to seek civil remedies such as damages, or to deal with parallel family law issues like custody, visitation, or parental authority.
Key legal frameworks and principles relevant in Solna are primarily Swedish national laws applied locally:
- Penal Code (Brottsbalken) - defines criminal offences against children, including assault, gross assault, sexual crimes, and sexual exploitation. Criminal proceedings are handled by the police and prosecutors.
- Social Services Act (Socialtjänstlagen, SoL) - gives municipal social services the mandate to investigate concerns about children’s welfare and to offer voluntary interventions and support measures.
- Care of Young Persons Act (Lag med särskilda bestämmelser om vård av unga, LVU) - permits compulsory care outside the home when a child’s health or development is seriously at risk due to the home environment or the child’s own behaviour. LVU cases can lead to court proceedings where the municipality seeks compulsory care.
- Family law (Föräldrabalken) - governs parental responsibility, custody and access rights. Allegations of abuse often intersect with disputes about custody and visitation.
- Child rights - Sweden has incorporated the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into national law, which influences how authorities must consider the best interests of the child in all measures affecting them.
- Procedural protections - children are entitled to special procedural safeguards during criminal investigations and court hearings. Forensic interviews, medical examinations and participation can be arranged in a child-sensitive way, for example through Barnahus.
Note - certain professionals who work with children have obligations to notify social services when abuse is suspected. Criminal and administrative procedures run in parallel and involve different standards of proof and different outcomes.
Child abuse includes physical violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, serious neglect and psychological maltreatment that harms a child’s health or development. The Penal Code criminalises acts such as assault and sexual offences. Neglect and harmful parenting practices that seriously endanger development can also trigger social services intervention or LVU proceedings.
If the child is in immediate danger, call emergency services - dial 112. For non-urgent concerns, contact Solna social services to report suspected abuse or the local police to make a criminal report. Professionals such as teachers, health workers and childcare staff have responsibilities to inform social services if they suspect abuse.
No. Social services first seek voluntary measures to support the family such as counselling, parenting support or home-based assistance. Compulsory removal under LVU is considered only when there is a serious and immediate risk to the child’s health or development and when voluntary measures are insufficient. Any compulsory care application is decided in court and can be challenged by parents with legal representation.
Yes. Social services focus on the child’s welfare and may take protective or support measures. Criminal responsibility is determined through police investigation and prosecution under the Penal Code. It is possible for both social services measures and criminal proceedings to take place simultaneously, but they are separate processes with different aims and standards of proof.
LVU is the law that allows the municipality to seek court-ordered care for a child when the child’s health or development is seriously endangered by the home situation or the child’s own behavior. LVU is used only in serious cases, and the municipal social services must demonstrate the need for compulsory care in court. The court evaluates whether compulsory measures are proportionate and in the child’s best interests.
Sweden uses child-sensitive procedures such as Barnahus and specially trained police interviewers. These measures aim to minimise repeated questioning and trauma. Forensic interviews and medical exams can be coordinated so the child does not have to give the same account multiple times. A guardian or representative can attend where appropriate.
Yes. You can request a contact ban (kontaktförbud) from the police if someone poses a threat. In urgent situations the police can take immediate protective steps. Courts can also impose protective conditions in criminal cases. Social services can help arrange protective measures and emergency placements if needed.
Relevant evidence may include medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, written records of incidents, school or childcare reports, electronic communications and any recordings. Professional assessments from doctors, psychologists or social workers are often important. Preserve physical evidence and document events as soon as it is safe to do so.
Legal fees vary. If you cannot afford a lawyer you may be eligible for legal aid (rättshjälp) which can cover part or all of the cost depending on your financial situation and the type of case. In criminal matters, a suspect or defendant usually has the right to a public defender if necessary. Ask the legal aid authority or a local lawyer about eligibility and the application process.
Children can receive medical care, psychological support and social services counselling. Barnahus and child and adolescent mental health services provide specialised assessments and therapy. Victim support organisations offer emotional assistance and practical guidance for both children and caregivers throughout the process.
When seeking assistance in Solna, consider contacting or learning more about the following types of organisations and authorities - they can provide practical or legal help and coordination:
- Solna social services (socialtjänsten) - responsible for child welfare assessments and care planning.
- Local police - handle criminal reports and investigations.
- Prosecutor's office (Åklagarmyndigheten) - handles charges and public prosecutions.
- Barnahus - child advocacy centres that coordinate medical, forensic and social assessments in a child-friendly setting.
- Victim support services (brottsofferstöd) - provide emotional support, information and practical assistance to victims and families.
- National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) - issues guidelines and supervises health and social care related to children.
- Children’s Ombudsman (Barnombudsmannen) - works to protect children’s rights and can provide information on rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Legal aid services and local bar association resources - for information on finding a lawyer and applying for financial help with legal costs.
If you are dealing with a suspected or confirmed child abuse situation in Solna, consider the following steps - adapt as needed to the urgency and safety needs of the child:
- Immediate danger: call emergency services - dial 112.
- Seek medical care: prioritise the child’s health and document injuries and treatment.
- Report concerns: contact Solna social services and/or the police to make a report. Provide as much factual information as possible.
- Preserve evidence: keep medical records, written notes, photographs and any communications that may be relevant.
- Get support: contact victim support services, Barnahus or a trusted health professional for emotional and practical help.
- Consult a lawyer: find an attorney experienced in child protection, family law and criminal defence or prosecution as relevant. Ask about legal aid if cost is a barrier.
- Prepare for next steps: cooperate with assessments, but seek legal advice before consenting to actions that could affect parental rights or criminal outcomes. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.
Child abuse matters are sensitive and often stressful. Acting promptly to protect the child and to secure qualified legal and professional help increases the likelihood of a safer outcome and a clear legal path forward.
