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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse in Spanga, Sweden is handled under national Swedish law with local implementation through Stockholm stads socialtjänst and the local police. Laws aim to protect the child - physically, psychologically and sexually - and to secure the childs best interests. Criminal acts such as assault, sexual abuse and exploitation are prosecuted under the Swedish Penal Code. Child protection investigations and care measures are governed by the Social Services Act and, in more serious cases, by the Care of Young Persons Act (LVU). Practical support for children who are suspected victims - such as medical exams and interviews - is often coordinated through Barnahus units in Stockholm. If you are in an immediate life-threatening situation you should call the emergency number without delay.
A lawyer can be essential in many child abuse situations because the matter can involve both criminal law and family law, and decisions can have lasting consequences. Common situations where people seek legal help include -
- If a child or adult is a suspect in a criminal investigation and needs defense or advice during police questioning.
- If you are a parent or guardian facing a social services investigation that could lead to custody changes or an LVU application for compulsory care.
- If you are the child or the childs representative and need to protect the childs legal rights during criminal proceedings or custody disputes.
- If you want to apply for compensation for the victim or challenge a social services decision.
- If you need help obtaining restraining orders or other protective measures.
- If the situation involves cross-border issues, immigration status, or multi-agency disputes where specialist advice is required.
A lawyer familiar with criminal law, family law and child protection proceedings in Stockholm can advise on immediate safety measures, the likely course of police and prosecutorial action, rights during interviews and court, and eligibility for legal aid.
Key legal aspects that matter in Spanga include -
- Criminal provisions - Assault, sexual offenses, grooming and child pornography are crimes under the Swedish Penal Code. Sexual acts with children under 15 are always prohibited and carry severe penalties. The prosecutor (åklagare) decides on charges after a police investigation.
- Social Services Act - Socialtjänstlagen requires social services to assess and investigate reports when a child is suspected to be at risk. The investigation aims to protect the child and to offer support and voluntary measures when possible.
- LVU - The Care of Young Persons Act (LVU) allows compulsory care when a childs well-being is seriously at risk and voluntary measures are insufficient. LVU cases are decided by an administrative court and can result in placement in specialist care.
- Parental responsibility and custody - The Parental Code (Föräldrabalken) governs guardianship, custody and access. Social services or courts can propose changes to custody or require parental support plans if the child is at risk.
- Duty to notify - Professionals who work with children, such as healthcare staff, teachers and social workers, have a strong obligation to report concerns to social services. Any individual may also report suspected abuse to social services or the police.
- Child-friendly procedures - Forensic medical examinations, interviews and court arrangements are adapted for children. Barnahus services provide coordinated support including medical care, social work and forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment.
- Victim support and compensation - Victims can receive practical and emotional support from victim support services and may apply for state compensation for crime-related injuries through the relevant national authority.
Child abuse includes physical violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, neglect and exploitation. Criminal acts like assault and sexual offences are prosecuted. Neglect or a home situation that seriously endangers a childs health can lead to social services intervention or LVU.
If a child is in immediate danger call the emergency number. For non-emergencies you can report concerns to Stockholm stads socialtjänst in the Spanga-Tensta district or to the local police. You can also seek medical help at a clinic or emergency department.
Reporting triggers an assessment by social services. The first aim is to support the family and the child through voluntary measures. Compulsory care under LVU is used only when the childs health and development are seriously at risk and other measures have failed or are inadequate.
Yes - children can be interviewed and may give evidence. Special procedures are used to make interviews child-friendly and to limit trauma - for example interviews at Barnahus and recorded testimony. The court can also use measures to protect the childs identity and wellbeing during proceedings.
Parents have the right to be informed of the investigation, to participate, and to present their view. Parents can be represented by a lawyer. Confidentiality rules apply, but social services can share necessary information with other authorities involved in the protection of the child.
Yes - Sweden offers legal aid for those who qualify financially and for many types of family and criminal matters. A lawyer can advise whether you meet the requirements for subsidised legal assistance or for a court-appointed defender if you are accused of a crime.
The police will collect evidence, which may include medical examinations, witness interviews and forensic material. The prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. The process can take time, and the child may be supported by specialist services and a legal guardian in prosecutions involving minors.
Preserve physical evidence, seek medical attention promptly, and avoid washing or changing the childs clothing if sexual abuse is suspected. Keep a record of dates, times and witnesses. Contact social services and the police for coordinated support and safe forensic handling through Barnahus.
Yes - a victim can claim compensation from the perpetrator and may be eligible for state compensation for personal injury related to crime. A lawyer or victim support services can help with applications and with civil claims.
There is no fixed timeline. Police investigations, prosecutorial decisions and court procedures all vary based on complexity, evidence and workload. Social services assessments are usually carried out swiftly, but legal proceedings can take months or longer. Your lawyer can provide a realistic estimate for your situation.
Recommended institutions and support organizations that can help in Spanga include -
- Stockholm stads socialtjänst - Spanga-Tensta social services office for local child protection assessments and family support.
- Polisen - local police for reporting crimes and starting criminal investigations.
- Åklagarmyndigheten - the public prosecutor handles criminal charges and victim rights in prosecutions.
- Barnahus Stockholm - coordinated medical, social and forensic services for children suspected to be victims of abuse.
- BRIS - Children Rights in Society - offers counseling and support specifically for children and young people.
- BUP - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - for mental health assessment and treatment for children and adolescents.
- Brottsoffermyndigheten - national authority that administers crime victim compensation and information on victim rights.
- Socialstyrelsen - the National Board of Health and Welfare, which sets guidance for health and social care work with children.
- Rättshjälp services - for information about eligibility for state-subsidised legal aid.
If you or a child is at immediate risk call the emergency number right away. If the situation is not urgent follow these steps -
- Ensure safety - move the child to a safe place and secure immediate medical care if needed.
- Report - contact Stockholm stads socialtjänst or the local police to start an investigation and to access coordinated support at Barnahus if appropriate.
- Preserve information - write down dates, times and descriptions of events and keep any physical evidence secure.
- Seek medical and psychological care - arrange medical examinations and mental health support for the child through healthcare services or BUP.
- Ask about victim support - social services and police can connect you to victim support organisations and to practical assistance.
- Consult a lawyer - look for a lawyer experienced in criminal and family law in Stockholm. Ask about legal aid eligibility and what documents to bring - identity papers, any reports, medical notes and a timeline of events.
- Follow up - keep records of all contacts with authorities and services and attend required meetings and hearings. Maintain open communication with social services and the lawyer to protect the childs best interests.
Taking prompt, informed steps helps protect the child and preserves legal options. If you need help deciding what to do first start by contacting social services or the police - they can guide immediate safety and next legal steps.
