Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Brabrand

About Sexual Abuse Law in Brabrand, Denmark

Sexual abuse is treated as a serious criminal matter in Denmark, including in Brabrand - a district in the Aarhus municipality. The Danish criminal system focuses on protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring public prosecution of sexual offences. Crimes that fall under sexual abuse include rape and sexual assault, sexual acts with children or minors below the legal age of consent, sexual exploitation, possession and distribution of child sexual images, and other non-consensual sexual acts. Cases are usually handled by the local police and prosecuted by the public prosecution authorities. Victims have rights to medical care, psychosocial support and access to information about the criminal process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer at different points in a sexual abuse matter. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, explain criminal and civil options, and represent you in court or in negotiations. Common reasons to seek a lawyer include the following.

If you want guidance before or after reporting to the police - a lawyer can explain what will happen in the police investigation and criminal prosecution, what evidence is relevant and how your statements will be used.

If you want to bring a civil claim for compensation against the alleged perpetrator - legal counsel can prepare and pursue a civil claim for damages and losses.

If you are a victim wishing to be represented in the criminal process - a lawyer can request certain procedural protections, represent your interests in hearings and submit claims for compensation in the criminal case.

If legal confidentiality, safety planning or restraining measures are needed - a lawyer can advise about protection orders and help coordinate with police and local support services.

If criminal charges are filed against you as a suspect - you should secure criminal defence representation immediately. This guide focuses on victims, but the same legal landscape applies to accused persons in terms of investigation and court procedure.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law in Brabrand follows Danish national law. Key points to understand are the following.

Criminalisation of non-consensual sexual acts - Danish law criminalises sex or sexual acts when there is no valid consent. The seriousness of the offence affects possible penalties.

Age of consent - the age of consent in Denmark is 15 years. Sexual activity with persons under that age is a criminal offence and will usually be pursued by the authorities.

Sexual offences against children and young people - separate protections and aggravated penalties apply when the victim is a minor. Authorities treat offences against minors with particular seriousness.

Prosecution - criminal sexual offences are prosecuted by the State through the police and public prosecutor. Once the police receive a report, they investigate facts and evidence and the public prosecutor decides whether to press charges.

Evidence and forensic examinations - hospitals and specialised clinics can perform medical and forensic examinations to preserve evidence. Early medical attention is important when traces of assault may be present.

Victim rights - victims have rights to information, to be heard during prosecution, to apply for compensation and to receive victim support services. The police and prosecution authority have duties to inform victims about the progress of the case.

Compensation - victims may apply for compensation from the state in cases involving violent crime. In addition, civil claims against the perpetrator for financial compensation are possible. The process and eligibility vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Statutes of limitation and timelines - limitation periods vary by offence and severity and can be different for crimes against minors. Because these rules are technical, seek legal advice and ask the police about deadlines for reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report sexual abuse in Brabrand?

You can report sexual abuse to the police at the local Aarhus police station or by contacting the police emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. When you report, the police will take your statement, may start an investigation and can arrange medical care and victim support. You can request to be accompanied by a support person or a victim support worker when making a report.

What should I do first after an assault?

Prioritise your safety and health. Move to a safe place, seek medical attention even if you do not think you were physically injured, and preserve evidence - avoid washing, changing clothes or cleaning items that may contain evidence until after a forensic examination, if possible. Consider contacting the police and a victim support service for immediate help and guidance.

Will the police investigate if I report?

The police will usually open an investigation when you report sexual abuse. How the investigation proceeds depends on available evidence and information. The police may interview you, witnesses and the suspect, collect forensic evidence and request medical reports. The public prosecutor ultimately decides whether to bring charges.

Can I get a forensic medical examination in Aarhus/Brabrand?

Yes. Hospitals and specialised clinics provide medical care and forensic examinations for sexual assault victims. These examinations can collect evidence and document injuries. If you are unsure where to go, the police can direct you to the appropriate emergency department or clinic. You do not have to decide immediately whether to report to the police before receiving medical care.

What evidence is important in sexual abuse cases?

Evidence may include your statement, witness testimony, medical and forensic findings, clothing or other physical items, electronic communications, photographs or videos and any contemporaneous notes you kept. Forensic evidence is time-sensitive, so seek medical attention promptly when relevant. A lawyer can advise on preserving and presenting evidence.

What legal protections exist to keep me safe from the alleged perpetrator?

You can ask the police for immediate protection measures if you are threatened. In many cases police can act to keep the suspect away from you, and courts can issue restraining orders or other protective measures. If you feel unsafe, tell the police and your lawyer so that safety planning and legal options can be arranged.

Can I get state compensation as a victim?

Victims of violent crime may be eligible to apply for state compensation. Separate civil claims against the perpetrator are also possible to seek compensation for damages and losses. Eligibility criteria and application procedures are administered by the authorities responsible for victim compensation. A lawyer or victim support service can help you apply and explain your options.

Do I need a lawyer to report or participate in the criminal process?

No, you do not need a lawyer to report a crime, but a lawyer can help you understand the process, prepare for interviews and hearings, protect your rights and represent your interests in court or in compensation claims. Counsel is particularly useful when cases are complex, when you plan to bring a civil claim, or when protections or special measures are needed during the process.

Will my identity be kept confidential?

The police and prosecution authorities handle victim information with confidentiality as part of their duties. However, some details may need to be disclosed during the legal process. You can discuss confidentiality concerns with the police, victim support services and a lawyer to understand what information will be shared and to request protective measures where appropriate.

Where can I get help for emotional support and counselling?

Local victim support centres, municipal health services and specialised NGOs provide emotional support, counselling and practical assistance for sexual abuse survivors. These services can accompany you to police interviews, help with safety planning and refer you to specialised therapy. If you need immediate help, tell the police or emergency medical staff and ask for referral to victim support.

Additional Resources

Police - the local police station in Aarhus handles reports from Brabrand and can start investigations, arrange immediate protection and refer you to medical services.

Hospitals and emergency departments - for urgent medical care and forensic examinations, contact the nearest emergency department. Emergency medical staff can preserve evidence and provide medical treatment.

Victim support centres - municipal or regional victim support services help with counselling, guidance through the criminal process and practical assistance.

State victim compensation authority - victims of violent crime can seek information about applying for state compensation through the relevant national authority that handles crime victim compensation.

Women and survivors organisations - local and national NGOs provide specialist counselling, shelter and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The Danish Bar and Law Society - for finding a private lawyer experienced in criminal and civil cases involving sexual abuse, and for information about professional standards and complaints procedures.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call the emergency number and get to safety first. If you are not in immediate danger, consider the following steps to protect your health and legal position.

Seek medical care - get urgent medical attention to treat injuries, prevent infections and, if relevant, preserve forensic evidence. Medical staff can also offer referrals to counselling.

Contact the police - report the incident when you feel ready. The police can investigate, provide information about protective measures and connect you with support services.

Preserve evidence - keep clothing, messages, photos and any physical items related to the incident in a safe place. Do not clean or alter potential evidence until after a medical or forensic examination, where possible.

Use victim support services - these organisations can accompany you to appointments, help you understand your options and offer emotional and practical support free of charge.

Talk to a lawyer - for advice on legal options, protections, compensation claims and representation. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, ask about free or low-cost legal advice or referrals from local legal aid organisations.

Document what happened - write down details, times, places and witness names as soon as you can. These notes can help you recall facts later in the process.

Do not confront the alleged perpetrator - avoid direct contact and let the authorities manage communications where possible. If you must communicate for practical reasons, keep records of all interactions.

Remember that you do not have to go through this alone - use local services for practical, medical and emotional support, and seek legal advice to protect your rights and interests.