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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence, called våld i nära relation in Swedish, covers physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and digital abuse that happens within family or close relationships. In Vaxjo, as everywhere in Sweden, these behaviors are crimes under national law and are handled by the police, prosecutors, courts, and social services. Sweden treats domestic violence as a serious public safety and public health issue. Victims are entitled to protection, support, and legal representation, and authorities have a duty to act swiftly to prevent ongoing harm.
Cases are investigated locally by the police and prosecuted in the district court serving Vaxjo. Social services in Vaxjo Municipality provide support, safety planning, and access to shelters, while healthcare services in Region Kronoberg can document injuries and provide medical and psychological care. Specialized victim support organizations can assist with practical help and emotional support.
A lawyer can be crucial if you are facing domestic violence or accusations of it. Survivors often need help applying for a restraining order, navigating a police investigation, asserting their rights during court proceedings, and claiming compensation. You may also need legal help with related family law issues like emergency custody, supervised visitation, or moving with a child for safety. If you are not a Swedish citizen, an attorney can advise you on residence permit protections when a relationship ends due to abuse.
In serious violent or sexual crime cases, the court can appoint a målsägandebiträde, a state-funded counsel for the injured party. This lawyer protects your interests, helps with safety measures, prepares you for interviews and court, and seeks damages. If you are suspected of a crime, you have the right to a public defender. Early legal guidance helps you make informed decisions, preserve evidence, and reduce risks to you and your children.
Criminal offenses commonly charged in domestic violence cases include assault (misshandel), unlawful threat (olaga hot), unlawful coercion (olaga tvång), molestation or harassment (ofredande), stalking or unlawful persecution (olaga förföljelse), vandalism or damage (skadegörelse), and sexual offenses under the Sexual Offenses Chapter. Sweden also punishes repeated abusive conduct within a relationship as an aggregated crime called gross violation of a woman’s integrity (grov kvinnofridskränkning) or gross violation of integrity (grov fridskränkning), which captures a pattern of repeated crimes against the same person.
Restraining orders are governed by the Act on Contact Prohibition. A prosecutor can issue a basic restraining order prohibiting contact through visits, calls, messages, or online communication. Extended forms can ban presence in areas around the victim’s home, workplace, or other locations. A restraining order can also apply in a shared home, which can require the violent person to move out. Breaching a restraining order is a separate crime. Electronic monitoring can be used in the most serious forms to strengthen protection.
Police in Vaxjo can act quickly to protect victims, including emergency measures and safety planning. Prosecutors lead preliminary investigations and decide on charges and restraining orders. Courts can decide on detention of the suspect to prevent interference with the investigation or continued crime. All authorities must consider the safety of children who witness or are exposed to violence.
Victims have a right to state-funded counsel in serious cases and to an interpreter if needed. They can claim damages for pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost income. If the offender cannot pay, victims may apply for state crime victim compensation through the national authority that handles such claims.
Social services obligations are set out in the Social Services Act. Vaxjo Municipality must offer support, emergency shelter, and protective measures to adults and children exposed to violence. Professionals in schools, healthcare, and social services have a duty to report concerns about a child’s safety. Authorities can use the Care of Young Persons Act to protect children at risk. Family law courts can issue temporary orders on custody, residence, and contact, including supervised visitation, to protect children and the non-violent parent.
Persons with residence permits based on a relationship may, in certain circumstances, keep or obtain an independent permit if the relationship ends due to violence. Legal advice is especially important in these situations to document abuse and meet the legal requirements.
Domestic violence includes any criminal conduct within a close relationship, such as physical assault, threats, sexual violence, controlling behaviors, stalking, harassment, financial control, and technology-facilitated abuse. Repeated offenses against a partner or ex-partner can be prosecuted as gross violation of integrity, which recognizes the pattern and increased harm.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For non-emergencies, contact the police on 114 14 or visit a police station. You can also speak to healthcare or social services, who can help you make a report. Provide as much detail as possible about incidents, injuries, witnesses, and any evidence like messages or photos.
You can apply for a restraining order through the police or prosecutor. In urgent cases, an interim order can be issued quickly if there is a risk of continued crime or harassment. Orders can prohibit contact, presence near your home or work, or staying in a shared home. Violations are crimes that the police can investigate immediately.
Yes, it is possible. A special form of restraining order can apply in a shared residence, requiring the violent person to move out to protect you. Police can also take emergency action if needed to prevent ongoing crime. Discuss this with your lawyer or the police when you apply for protection.
Social services can offer safety planning, emergency shelter, financial assistance, protected housing, counseling, and help coordinating with schools and healthcare. They also support children who have witnessed or been exposed to violence, including trauma-informed services.
In serious violent or sexual crimes, the court can appoint a målsägandebiträde for the victim, paid by the state. This lawyer can apply for restraining orders, attend police interviews, and claim damages. If your case does not qualify, you can still hire a private lawyer. Suspected persons have the right to a public defender.
The police open a preliminary investigation, collect evidence, and interview parties and witnesses. A prosecutor decides on charges. If the case goes to trial, it is heard in the district court. Victims can testify with protective measures, and your counsel will support you. If the accused is convicted, the court can impose a sentence and award damages.
Authorities must consider the best interests and safety of the child. Professionals have a duty to report concerns to social services, who can assess risk and put support in place. Family courts can issue temporary orders on custody and contact to prevent exposure to violence, and visitation can be supervised or suspended if necessary.
If your residence permit depends on your relationship, you may qualify to keep or obtain an independent permit if the relationship ends due to violence. Gather documentation such as police reports, medical records, or statements from social services, and seek legal advice promptly to meet deadlines and legal criteria.
Your lawyer can claim damages from the offender during the criminal case, covering pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost income. If the offender cannot pay, you may apply for state crime victim compensation. Keep all receipts and documentation, and ask your counsel for help with the application.
Emergency services - call 112 for immediate police, ambulance, or fire assistance.
Swedish Police non-emergency - call 114 14 for advice, to file a report, or to inquire about restraining orders.
Kvinnofridslinjen - the National Women’s Helpline offering free, confidential support 24-7 in multiple languages at 020-50 50 50.
Brottsofferjouren - Victim Support Sweden offers emotional support and practical guidance at 116 006.
Vaxjo Municipality Social Services - support, emergency shelter, and safety planning for adults and children exposed to violence.
Region Kronoberg Healthcare - emergency and follow-up care, injury documentation, and referrals for psychological support.
Barnahus Kronoberg - coordinated child-friendly support and investigation for children who have witnessed or suffered violence or sexual abuse.
Vaxjo District Court - handles criminal cases, restraining order appeals, and related family law orders in the local area.
Local women’s shelters and support organizations in Vaxjo - specialist help with safe housing, counseling, and advocacy.
Legal aid and private law firms in Vaxjo - advice on criminal process, restraining orders, family law, and immigration protections.
Prioritize safety. If you are in danger, call 112. When safe, consider creating a safety plan that includes emergency contacts, a packed essentials bag, and a code word with trusted people. Document incidents by saving messages, emails, call logs, and photos of injuries or property damage. Seek medical care and ask for injury documentation.
Report to the police and ask about a restraining order. Tell the police about any children affected, weapons, threats, stalking, and previous incidents. Ask for a referral to a målsägandebiträde and an interpreter if you need one. Contact Vaxjo social services for support and emergency housing. If you are concerned about your immigration status, consult a lawyer promptly.
Meet with a lawyer to map out goals and timelines. Bring identification, any court papers, police reports or incident numbers, medical records, a timeline of events, and details about witnesses. Discuss restraining order options, custody protections, and compensation. Ask your lawyer to coordinate with social services, schools, and healthcare providers to keep your safety plan consistent.
Follow up regularly. Keep a written log of all incidents, police contacts, and court dates. Update your safety plan as circumstances change. Lean on support services and trusted people to reduce isolation. If a restraining order is violated, report it immediately to the police.
This guide is general information and not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For advice about your specific situation in Vaxjo, speak with a qualified lawyer or contact local support services.
