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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
This guide explains how Danish systems handle suspected or confirmed child abuse in Viby, a district within Aarhus Municipality. Child abuse includes physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, serious neglect and exploitation of a person under 18. In Denmark, concerns about a child s safety can trigger both criminal investigations and social protection measures. The local municipality s social services and the police have separate but often coordinated roles: social services focus on the child s welfare and support measures, while the police handle criminal offences and potential prosecution.
The overall approach is child centered - the goal is to protect the child s best interests, ensure their immediate safety, assess family circumstances and, where necessary, order measures such as counseling, family support, placement outside the home or emergency interventions. Many professionals who work with children have specific duties to report worries to municipal social services.
Legal advice is helpful when you face decisions or processes that affect a child s safety, rights or family life. Common situations where people seek a lawyer include:
- When the police open a criminal investigation into assault, sexual abuse or other offences against a child - a lawyer can advise victims, suspects and witnesses about rights, interviews and court procedures.
- When social services propose or take measures such as supervision orders, placement outside the home, or temporary care orders - a lawyer can explain the legal basis, challenge decisions and represent you in meetings and hearings.
- In custody, residence and contact disputes where allegations of abuse affect parental rights - lawyers can help present evidence and argue for the child s welfare in family law proceedings.
- To obtain restraining orders or protection orders if a child or family member is at risk of further harm.
- To apply for legal aid or 'fri proces' and to navigate appeals to administrative bodies such as Ankestyrelsen.
- To protect the legal rights of a child who is a migrant, refugee or foreign national and to address cross-border matters.
Several legal frameworks are relevant in cases of child abuse in Viby:
- Social Services Act - Municipal social services have a statutory duty to assess reports concerning children at risk and to implement protective and supportive measures. The municipality can offer voluntary family support, order supervision, or, in serious cases, place a child in foster care or issue temporary care orders.
- Danish Criminal Code - Physical violence, sexual offences, threats, exploitation and severe neglect can be crimes. The police investigate allegations and the public prosecutor decides whether to charge a suspect. Convictions can lead to imprisonment, fines and other criminal consequences.
- Family law - Matters of parental responsibility, custody, residence and visitation are decided with the child s best interests as the guiding principle. Allegations of abuse are considered when courts or family authorities make custody or contact decisions.
- Mandatory reporting and professional duties - Certain professionals who work with children, such as teachers, health staff and social workers, must notify municipal authorities if they believe a child is at risk. Others are strongly encouraged to report concerns.
- Administrative appeals - Decisions made by social services can be appealed to national administrative bodies that review whether the municipality acted lawfully and in the best interests of the child.
Rights and procedures are governed by national law and applied locally by Aarhus Kommune and the police in Viby. There are provisions for emergency interventions when a child faces imminent danger, and there are legal pathways to challenge or appeal decisions.
Child abuse generally includes physical assault, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, serious neglect and exploitation. Professionals and authorities assess the nature, frequency and impact of actions on the child s health and development to determine whether behaviour amounts to abuse.
If a child is in immediate danger call emergency services. In Denmark call 112 for police, ambulance and fire. If the situation is not an immediate emergency, you can report concerns to the police or to Aarhus Kommune s social services.
Yes, you can make anonymous reports to social services or the police. However, providing contact details and specific information helps authorities investigate and follow up. Professionals often have a legal duty to report concerns even when anonymity is not possible.
No. Social services will assess the child s situation and usually try voluntary support measures first. Removal or placement outside the home is considered only when the child s safety cannot otherwise be secured. Emergency removal can occur if there is an immediate and serious risk to the child.
The municipality will typically conduct an assessment interview and may carry out a home visit to evaluate the child s safety, needs and family circumstances. If crime is suspected, the police may open a criminal investigation in parallel. Authorities may offer support services, protection plans or, in serious cases, placement for the child.
There is no fixed timeline. Some assessments are completed quickly when risks are clear, while complex situations involving criminal investigations or cross-border issues can take longer. Authorities should keep involved parties informed about major steps and decisions.
Yes. The police and courts can assist in obtaining protection measures such as restraining orders to prevent an alleged abuser from contacting the child or family. A lawyer can help prepare applications and represent you in court.
You are not always required to have a lawyer, but legal representation can be valuable when serious measures are proposed, when your parental rights are at stake or when criminal proceedings are underway. A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and help gather and present evidence.
Relevant evidence can include medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, messages or recordings, school reports, diary notes about incidents, and expert evaluations such as medical or psychological assessments. Keep detailed records and preserve physical evidence whenever possible.
Authorities aim to conduct fair investigations and may inform the alleged abuser when necessary for procedural reasons. Social services and police balance transparency with safety considerations. If disclosure would increase risk to the child, authorities may limit information shared. A lawyer can advise about confidentiality and risks of disclosure.
When seeking help or information in Viby, consider these types of organisations and agencies:
- Aarhus Kommune - Social services and child protection teams handle welfare assessments and protective measures.
- Local police in Aarhus - for criminal reports, urgent protection and restraining orders.
- Familieretshuset - the national family authority that assists with custody, parental responsibility and contact matters.
- Ankestyrelsen - the national appeals authority that reviews municipal social decisions.
- Public Prosecutor s Office - handles criminal charges and prosecutions.
- Hospitals and emergency departments - for medical examinations and documentation of injuries; some hospitals have specialised teams for child abuse or sexual assault.
- Børns Vilkår and Red Barnet - national non-governmental organisations that offer advice, helplines and support services for children and families.
- Crisis centres and local counselling services - for immediate shelter, safety planning and psychosocial support.
- Legal aid services and advokatvagten - for advice about representation and possible eligibility for public legal aid or 'fri proces'.
If you suspect a child is being abused and need legal assistance, consider the following practical steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - if there is imminent danger call emergency services on 112.
- Report concerns - contact the police for criminal matters or Aarhus Kommune s social services for welfare assessments. Provide as much detail as you can about dates, locations and witnesses.
- Seek medical care - get medical attention and documentation for any injuries and ask for official medical records.
- Preserve evidence - keep messages, photographs, notes and any other records that document the situation.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in child protection, family law or criminal defence depending on your role in the case - lawyers can advise on rights, representation, protection orders and appeals.
- Ask about legal aid - if you cannot afford a lawyer ask about public legal aid or 'fri proces' to see if you are eligible.
- Use support organisations - contact local child support NGOs and crisis services for counselling, practical help and guidance on navigating municipal and criminal procedures.
- Keep records of all interactions with authorities - note dates, names of officials, decisions made and any deadlines for appeals.
- If you receive a decision you disagree with, discuss options to appeal or request a review from an administrative appeals body.
Getting prompt help and legal advice can make a significant difference to a child s safety and to the outcome of investigations and court processes. If you are unsure where to start, a brief consultation with a lawyer or with a trusted support organisation can clarify your options and next steps.
