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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Solna is governed by Swedish national law and enforced locally by police, prosecutors, social services and courts that serve the Stockholm area. The law treats domestic violence seriously and covers physical violence, sexual violence, threats, harassment, stalking, emotional or psychological abuse and economic control when these occur in a close relationship. Victims who live in Solna can expect access to police reporting, emergency protection, health care, social services and specialised support services such as shelters and victim support.
Legal responses can include criminal charges against the perpetrator, temporary and longer-term protective measures, civil family-law remedies for custody and housing, and public social support for safety and recovery. If you are unsure about your situation or rights, seeking legal advice early helps you understand options and protect yourself and any children involved.
Domestic violence cases often involve overlapping criminal, civil and administrative issues. A lawyer can help you in several common situations:
- If you want to file a police report and need guidance on what evidence to collect or how the criminal process works.
- If you need to apply for a restraining order or a protection order and want help preparing documentation or requests to the court.
- If there are child custody, visitation or contact disputes and you need legal representation in family-court proceedings or help communicating with social services.
- If you face housing problems because the perpetrator lives with you or you need emergency accommodation.
- If you are a foreign national and have concerns about your residence permit, or fear the abuse may affect your immigration status.
- If you want to make a claim for victim compensation, seek damages in civil court, or need a målsägandebiträde - a lawyer appointed to represent a victim in criminal proceedings.
- If you need representation in criminal proceedings - either as a victim seeking to be heard or if you are accused and want defense counsel.
Important legal points to know in Solna and Sweden generally include the following:
- Criminal law framework: The Swedish Penal Code addresses assault, aggravated assault, unlawful threats, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. When the offender and victim are in a close relationship the circumstances can lead to heavier penalties.
- Reporting and prosecution: The criminal process is led by the police and public prosecutor. You can report crimes to the police in Solna. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges and pursue the case in court.
- Protective measures: Police can take immediate measures to separate parties at a scene and can request temporary protection. Courts can issue restraining orders - typically described in Swedish as kontaktförbud - which prohibit contact or close approach. Breaking such an order may be a criminal offence.
- Social services role: Socialtjänsten in Solna provides practical support, including assessment of needs, help seeking shelter, and facilitation of protective plans for children. They also coordinate with other agencies when necessary.
- Victim rights in criminal proceedings: Victims have rights to information, to be heard, and to request a målsägandebiträde (legal representative for the injured party) in serious cases. Victims can also apply for state compensation through Brottsoffermyndigheten.
- Family law issues: Custody, visitation and housing are handled under family law and the courts. Evidence of domestic violence can affect custody and contact decisions. Socialtjänsten and the family courts focus on the best interests of the child.
- Legal aid and costs: Legal aid - rättshjälp - may be available to cover part of lawyer fees for qualifying people. In criminal cases victims may receive appointed legal help in the form of a målsägandebiträde if the court grants it.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number 112. Try to get to a safe place. If you cannot call, consider sending a text or using a trusted neighbour to alert emergency services. Once safe, seek medical attention and report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
You can report domestic violence by contacting the police. For emergencies call 112. For non-emergencies use the national police number 114 14 or visit your nearest police station. When you report, provide as much detail as possible - dates, times, witnesses, injuries and any evidence such as photos or messages.
Yes. Immediate protection can be provided by the police and prosecutors. For longer-term protection you can ask the court for a restraining order (often called kontaktförbud). The duration depends on the circumstances and the court decision. A restraining order is enforceable by law and breaching it can lead to criminal charges.
The decision to press charges is made by the public prosecutor. The police investigate reported crimes and forward findings to the prosecutor, who evaluates whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. If you are a victim you can be an important witness. You can also request a målsägandebiträde to assist you through the process.
Socialtjänsten can assess immediate needs, arrange emergency housing or shelters, provide counseling and coordinate support for children. They can also help with safety planning, practical assistance and referrals to specialist services in the Stockholm area.
Courts and social services prioritise the best interests of the child. Evidence of domestic violence is a central factor in custody and contact decisions. If there is a risk to the child or a parent, the court may limit or supervise contact, or award sole custody. It is important to document incidents and involve social services and legal counsel early.
You may qualify for legal aid - rättshjälp - depending on your income and the nature of the case. In criminal cases victims may be granted a målsägandebiträde who is paid by the state in serious matters. Ask a lawyer or contact social services for guidance on eligibility and how to apply.
Immigration consequences can be complicated. If your residence is linked to a relationship and you have experienced domestic violence, speak with a lawyer who specialises in immigration and family law. Authorities can sometimes consider abuse when assessing residence matters, and there may be routes to protection and continued residence - but you should get tailored legal advice.
Keep records of dates and descriptions of incidents, preserve text messages, emails, social media messages and voicemails, and take photographs of injuries and damaged property. Get medical records for injuries and ask healthcare professionals to document findings. Save witness contact details. Do not destroy evidence and inform your lawyer or the police about what you have preserved.
Look for a lawyer with experience in domestic violence, family law or criminal law in the Stockholm area. At the first meeting expect to discuss the facts of the case, your immediate safety needs, legal options (criminal reporting, protection orders, family court remedies), likely timelines and costs. Ask about legal aid and whether the lawyer can assist with victim representation or a målsägandebiträde application.
Recommended local and national organisations and authorities you can contact for help and advice:
- Solna kommun - Socialtjänsten (local social services) for emergency support and shelter referrals.
- Solna police station and the Swedish Police - to report crimes and request immediate protection. Emergency number 112. Non-emergency police 114 14.
- Kvinnofridslinjen - national helpline for victims of domestic violence for guidance and support.
- Brottsofferjouren - local victim support organisations that provide practical and emotional support through criminal proceedings.
- Brottsoffermyndigheten - the government agency that administers state victim compensation and information about compensation claims.
- Kvinnojourer and shelters in the Stockholm region - local women shelters and crisis centres that provide safe housing and support.
- Roks - national umbrella for women s shelters and girl s shelters that can help locate local services.
- Barnahus in Stockholm - child-centred forensic and support services if children are affected.
- Legal aid services and the Swedish Bar Association for help finding an experienced lawyer and information about rättshjälp.
If you or someone else is at risk - call 112 now. If it is not an immediate emergency, make a plan to secure safety first. Consider the following steps:
- Contact the police to report the incident and request immediate protection if needed.
- Seek medical care and ask healthcare staff to document injuries.
- Contact Solna social services to explore shelter options, safety planning and support for children.
- Preserve evidence - messages, photos, medical records and witness details.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases in the Stockholm area to discuss criminal, family and immigration consequences and to explore legal aid options.
- If you are unsure where to start, call a victim support organisation or the national helpline to get confidential guidance and referrals to local services, including shelters and legal help.
Taking one step at a time is normal. You do not have to handle this alone - there are local agencies and legal professionals in Solna and the Stockholm area prepared to help you with safety, legal protection and recovery.
