Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Norrköping

About Sexual Abuse Law in Norrköping, Sweden

Sexual abuse is a serious crime under Swedish law and cases from Norrköping are handled under national rules. Chapter 6 of the Swedish Criminal Code covers sexual crimes. Sweden applies a consent-based model. Sexual activity must be voluntary. Silence or passivity is not consent. Exploitative situations, such as when a person is asleep, heavily intoxicated, threatened, or dependent on the perpetrator, can make an act criminal even without physical violence.

Common offenses include rape, rape of a child, sexual assault, sexual molestation, exploitation of another person in a vulnerable situation, grooming of a child, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, unlawful dissemination of intimate images, and purchase of sexual services. The age of consent is 15. Acts involving persons under 15 are treated as child sexual abuse. Additional protections apply to 15 to 17 year olds in situations of exploitation or dependence, and for adults facing violence or control in close relationships.

In Norrköping, police investigate, prosecutors decide on charges, and cases are tried at the Norrköping District Court. Victims often have a court-appointed legal representative at no cost. Proceedings frequently include privacy protections and closed hearings for sensitive testimony.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Sexual abuse cases are complex and emotionally challenging. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through reporting and investigation, and protect your interests in court. In many sexual offense cases, victims are entitled to a government-funded counsel, called a målsägandebiträde, who supports you during police interviews and the trial and helps you claim compensation.

You may need legal help if you are deciding whether to report to the police, want a restraining order, need help preserving or presenting evidence, are being pressured by the perpetrator or others, face threats or harassment online, were assaulted by a partner or family member, are under 18 or are the guardian of a child victim, are accused or under investigation and need a defense attorney, or are unsure about compensation or immigration implications.

Local Laws Overview

Consent-based law: Since 2018, Swedish law requires that sex be voluntary. Coercion, exploitation, or negligence regarding consent can result in criminal liability. There are offenses for both intentional and negligent sexual crimes.

Age and child protection: The age of consent is 15. Sexual acts involving children under 15 are criminal. For 15 to 17 year olds, crimes include rape of a child, sexual assault of a child, exploitation through payment or benefits, grooming, and abuse of a position of trust. The limitation periods in child cases generally start when the child turns 18 and can be extended depending on the offense.

Related offenses: Sexual molestation covers unwanted sexual touching or intrusive sexual behavior, including sending unsolicited sexual images. Unlawful violation of privacy covers sharing intimate images. Purchase of sexual services is illegal. Human trafficking and procuring are separate crimes often investigated alongside sexual offenses.

Protection and support: Restraining orders, called kontaktförbud, can prohibit contact and proximity. Police and prosecutors handle applications. Courts often allow testimony behind closed doors to protect privacy. Victims can seek medical care and psychological support through regional healthcare. Social services in Norrköping provide safety planning and support, including sheltered housing where needed.

Criminal process in Norrköping: Police in Region East handle reports and preliminary investigations. Prosecutors decide on detention and charge. Forensic evidence can be secured through healthcare. The Norrköping District Court hears cases. An interpreter is provided if needed. Victims commonly have a målsägandebiträde at no cost. Accused persons in serious cases can have a public defender appointed.

Compensation: Courts can order offenders to pay damages for violation of integrity, pain and suffering, medical and therapy costs, and lost income. If the offender cannot pay, the Swedish Crime Victim Authority may provide state compensation after assessment.

Workplace and school: Sexual harassment can be both a crime and a violation of the Discrimination Act. Employers and schools have legal duties to prevent and investigate harassment and to take action to stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Swedish law

Any sexual act that is not voluntary can be criminal. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual molestation, exploitation of someone who is asleep, intoxicated, ill, or in a dependent situation, and sexual acts with or directed at children. Sharing intimate images without consent and purchasing sex are also crimes.

How is consent defined in Sweden

Consent means voluntary participation. The law does not require physical resistance. Passivity is not consent. A person who is asleep, highly intoxicated, drugged, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated cannot consent. Taking advantage of such a situation can lead to criminal liability.

What should I do right away after an assault

If you are in danger, call 112. Seek medical care as soon as possible for health, emergency contraception, and injury treatment. Ask about securing forensic evidence. Try to preserve evidence by keeping clothes, messages, and screenshots. Write down what happened, including times and locations. You can contact the police at 114 14 or visit a station when you are ready.

Do I have to report to get medical care or support

No. You can get medical care and support regardless of whether you report to the police. Reporting is your choice. Healthcare staff can help you understand options and, with your consent, coordinate with police if you decide to report. In emergencies, call 112.

Will my identity be kept confidential

Victims have significant privacy protections. Investigations are covered by confidentiality rules. Courts can close hearings when sensitive details are discussed. Media typically do not publish names of victims. Discuss any safety concerns with your lawyer so the court can consider additional protective measures.

Can I get my own lawyer, and who pays

In sexual offense cases, victims often qualify for a state-funded counsel called a målsägandebiträde. This lawyer supports you throughout the process and helps claim compensation. If you hire a private lawyer, legal aid or legal expenses insurance may cover costs depending on your situation.

How are cases involving children handled

Child cases receive special protections. Police conduct child-friendly interviews, often at a Barnahus, a child advocacy center used in the region. Professionals working with children have a duty to report suspected abuse to social services. Limitation periods for child sexual offenses are extended and generally start when the child turns 18.

What if I am not a Swedish citizen or do not have a personal number

You have the same right to protection, medical care, and to report a crime. You are entitled to an interpreter in your language during police interviews and court. If your residence status is affected by violence or trafficking, a lawyer can advise on options and protective measures.

How long do I have to report

There is no requirement to report immediately, but reporting sooner can help preserve evidence. Time limits to prosecute vary by offense. For child sexual offenses, the time limit usually starts when the child turns 18. A lawyer can assess deadlines for your specific situation.

What happens after I report to the police

Police take your statement and start a preliminary investigation. You can request a målsägandebiträde. Prosecutors decide on charges. If the case goes to trial at Norrköping District Court, you may testify, often with special protections. If the accused is convicted, the court can order a sentence and compensation to you.

Additional Resources

Police emergency number: 112. Non-emergency reporting and information: 114 14.

Healthcare advice line: 1177. They can guide you to urgent care and sexual assault medical services in Region Östergötland.

National domestic and sexual violence helpline Kvinnofridslinjen: 020-50 50 50. Open around the clock, free and anonymous, with interpreters available.

Victim Support Sweden Brottsofferjouren: 116 006. Emotional support, practical guidance, and help with the justice process.

BRIS for children and young people: 116 111. Support for minors seeking help.

Swedish Crime Victim Authority Brottsoffermyndigheten: Information on compensation and support for victims.

Norrköping Municipality Social Services Socialtjänsten: Safety planning, crisis support, and sheltered housing. Contact via the municipal switchboard and ask for Socialtjänsten.

Prosecution Authority Åklagarmyndigheten and the District Court Norrköpings tingsrätt: Information on case status, restraining orders, and court proceedings.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 112. Consider staying with someone you trust or contacting social services for emergency accommodation if needed.

Get medical care promptly. Ask about injury treatment, emergency contraception, testing for infections, and securing forensic evidence. You can do this even if you are undecided about reporting to the police.

Preserve evidence. Save clothing, do not delete messages, and take screenshots of chats and social media. Keep a simple timeline of events with dates, times, and locations.

Contact support. Reach out to Kvinnofridslinjen, Victim Support Sweden, or local social services for confidential guidance and practical help.

Speak with a lawyer. In many sexual offense cases you can get a state-funded målsägandebiträde. Ask the police or a local law firm in Norrköping for help arranging this, or contact a lawyer directly and ask about legal aid or insurance coverage.

Consider protective measures. Discuss restraining orders, safety planning, and confidentiality options with your lawyer and the police.

Keep records. Store medical documents, police report numbers, and correspondence in one place. Note all expenses related to the crime for possible compensation.

This guide is general information. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer experienced in sexual offense cases in Norrköping.