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Verahill Familjejuridik Norrköping has established itself as a trusted resource for clients seeking expert guidance in family law, divorce, real estate matters, and a range of legal services in Norrköping. The firm’s team of experienced attorneys combines deep local expertise with comprehensive...
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About Domestic Violence Law in Norrköping, Sweden

Domestic violence in Norrköping is addressed under Swedish national law, which applies equally across all municipalities. Violence in a close relationship covers physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and digital abuse between partners, ex-partners, family members, and others in a close relationship. There is no single crime called domestic violence. Instead, a series of offenses may be relevant, including assault, unlawful threat, molestation, unlawful coercion, sexual offenses, and the specific crimes of gross violation of a woman’s integrity and gross violation of integrity. Sweden treats exposure of children to violence as a crime in its own right. Authorities in Norrköping, including the local police, social services, healthcare, and the district court, coordinate to protect victims, investigate crimes, and impose protective measures such as restraining orders.

If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For non-emergencies, call the police at 114 14.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can protect your rights, help you plan for safety, and guide you through criminal and civil processes that often move quickly and feel overwhelming. You may need legal help to report a crime, obtain a restraining order, seek damages, or navigate an investigation and trial as a crime victim. If you share children with the abusive person, you may need urgent help with custody, residence, and contact decisions, including applications for interim court orders and supervised contact. If you are a migrant or your right to stay in Sweden depends on a relationship, you may need legal advice on your residence status if the relationship ends because of violence. A lawyer can also help you apply for public victim’s counsel, legal aid, or use legal expenses insurance, and can coordinate with social services and shelters to secure safe housing.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law. The Swedish Penal Code applies in Norrköping. Common charges in domestic contexts include assault, unlawful threat, molestation, unlawful coercion, vandalism, and sexual offenses. Repeated or patterned abuse against a partner or former partner can be prosecuted as gross violation of a woman’s integrity or gross violation of integrity. It is also criminal to cause a child to witness certain crimes in a close relationship.

Protective orders. Contact bans, called kontaktförbud, are ordered by the prosecutor and can be standard, extended, include the shared home, or be specially expanded if risk is high. Breaching a contact ban is a crime. Electronic monitoring may be used in serious cases. You apply to the police or prosecutor. A lawyer can present risk factors and evidence to support your application.

Victim’s rights. Many victims are entitled to a state-funded counsel for injured parties, called målsägandebiträde, who supports you during the investigation and trial and helps with damages. You have a right to an interpreter and to be treated with respect and confidentiality. You may receive information about the suspect’s release in certain cases.

Social services and protection. Under the Social Services Act, Norrköping Municipality must provide support and protection to those exposed to violence, including safety planning, emergency housing such as sheltered accommodation, and economic assistance where needed. Outside office hours, the social emergency service can be reached via 112.

Children. Social services must act when children are at risk. Witnessing domestic violence can trigger protection measures and support. Courts can make urgent interim decisions about custody, residence, and contact. Supervised contact can be ordered to protect the child and the abused parent.

Immigration. If your residence permit is based on a relationship, you may be able to keep or extend your permit if the relationship ends due to violence. Seek legal advice and contact the Swedish Migration Agency promptly.

Compensation. You can claim damages for pain and suffering and other losses during the criminal case. If the offender cannot pay, you may be eligible for state compensation from the Crime Victim Authority.

Court and agencies in Norrköping. Police Region Ost handles investigations. Prosecutions are led by the Prosecution Authority. Trials are held at Norrköping District Court. Social services are provided by Norrköping Municipality. Healthcare is provided by Region Östergötland and can document injuries and provide care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Swedish law?

Domestic violence is not a single offense, but a pattern of crimes and harmful behaviors in close relationships. It includes physical assaults, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual abuse, controlling and isolating behavior, and economic abuse. Repeated abuse against a partner can be prosecuted as gross violation of a woman’s integrity or gross violation of integrity. Exposing a child to violence in the home is also a crime.

How do I report domestic violence in Norrköping?

Call 112 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. For non-emergencies, call 114 14 or visit a police station. You can also make a report at a hospital or through social services, who can help contact police. You have the right to an interpreter and to bring a support person. Medical staff can document injuries and preserve evidence.

Can I get a restraining order and how does it work?

You can apply for a contact ban through the police. The prosecutor decides based on risk. A contact ban can forbid calls, messages, visits, or approaching your home or workplace, and in serious cases can include the shared home or wider areas. Violating a contact ban is a crime. Keep copies of the decision and call 112 if it is breached. A lawyer can help present evidence of risk.

Will social services take my children if I report?

Social services aim to protect and support children and the non-abusive parent. Reporting violence does not mean children are automatically removed. Removal is a last resort when a child cannot be kept safe otherwise. In most cases, support, safety planning, and limits on the abusive parent’s contact are used first.

Can I stay in our home if the abuser is violent?

You may be able to obtain a contact ban covering the shared home, forcing the abuser to stay away. In urgent situations, police can remove a person for immediate safety actions and prosecutors can act quickly on a contact ban application. Social services can arrange sheltered housing if staying is unsafe. A lawyer can also seek interim family law orders to protect you and any children.

Do I need a lawyer if the state gives me a victim’s counsel?

The state-funded counsel for injured parties represents your interests in the criminal case and helps with damages. In many cases that is enough for the criminal process. If you also have family law, immigration, or housing issues, you may need an additional lawyer with the right specialization.

What if I am not a Swedish citizen or my permit depends on my partner?

You can report violence and seek protection regardless of status. If your residence depends on a relationship that ends due to abuse, you may still qualify to stay. Contact a lawyer and the Swedish Migration Agency quickly. You have a right to an interpreter in contacts with authorities.

Can I withdraw my police report?

You can tell the police you no longer wish to participate, but Sweden follows the principle of mandatory prosecution. If there is sufficient evidence, the case can proceed even without your active cooperation. Talk to your counsel about safety and support if you feel pressured to withdraw.

What evidence should I save?

Save messages, call logs, emails, social media posts, photos of injuries or damage, medical records, and names of witnesses. Keep a dated log of incidents. Do not delete anything. If you are in danger, prioritize safety and let the police secure the evidence.

How can I get financial support or compensation?

You can apply for emergency social assistance from Norrköping social services. In the criminal case, you can claim damages from the offender. If payment is not possible, you may apply for state compensation from the Crime Victim Authority. A lawyer or victim’s counsel can prepare these claims.

Additional Resources

Emergency services. Call 112 for immediate danger. For police non-emergency, call 114 14. For healthcare advice, call 1177.

Norrköping Municipality social services. Contact the municipal switchboard at 011-15 00 00 during office hours for support and protection. Outside office hours, ask for the social emergency service via 112.

Kvinnofridslinjen. National women’s helpline 020-50 50 50. Free, anonymous, open 24-7, with interpreters available. Provides counseling and information about support and shelters.

Brottsofferjouren. National crime victim support line 116 006. Offers emotional support, practical guidance, and help navigating police and court processes. Local volunteers are available.

Swedish Prosecution Authority. Provides information on contact bans and the criminal process. You can ask the police to forward a contact ban application to the prosecutor.

Crime Victim Authority. Provides information and handles state compensation for crime victims. They can guide you on damages and compensation claims.

Migration Agency. For residence permit questions when a relationship ends due to violence, contact the Swedish Migration Agency at 0771-235 235.

Local shelters and support groups. Norrköping has access to women’s shelters and children’s support services coordinated through the municipality and regional networks. Social services or the national helplines above can provide current contact details and safe referral pathways.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If danger is imminent, call 112. If possible, prepare a safety plan that includes a packed essentials bag, important documents, emergency contacts, and a code word with trusted friends. Consider turning off location sharing on devices.

Seek medical care and documentation. Visit healthcare to treat injuries and document them. Tell staff what happened so records reflect the cause.

Report and request protection. File a police report and ask about a contact ban. Provide evidence and describe prior incidents. Ask for a victim’s counsel. If you have children, tell the police and social services.

Engage legal help. Contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, family law, and, if needed, immigration. Ask about state-funded victim’s counsel, legal aid, and using legal expenses insurance in your home or rental insurance.

Access local support. Contact Norrköping social services for protected housing, financial support, and help with children. Use the national helplines for immediate counseling and referrals.

Protect your information. Change passwords, review privacy settings, and consider using a safe device. Ask your lawyer or social worker about address protection options such as protected population registration and, in extreme cases, identity protection.

Document and follow through. Keep copies of reports, medical records, and court papers. Attend meetings and hearings with your counsel. If a contact ban is issued, carry it with you and report any breach to the police immediately.

You do not have to navigate this alone. In Norrköping, police, social services, healthcare, and specialized lawyers can work together to increase your safety and help you assert your rights.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.