Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Solna

About Sexual Abuse Law in Solna, Sweden

Sexual abuse is a criminal matter in Sweden and is handled under national law, primarily the Swedish Penal Code. Offences range from sexual harassment and sexual molestation to rape and sexual exploitation of children. Cases are investigated by the police and prosecuted by the public prosecution authority on behalf of the state. Solna is part of the Stockholm region, so investigations and local services are handled by the Stockholm police, Solna municipality social services and the region's health-care providers. Victims have legal rights during investigations - for example the right to be informed about the process, the possibility of a victim counsel and access to support services and medical care.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where legal help is important in sexual-abuse matters:

- If you decide to report the assault to the police and want advice about the criminal process and what to expect. A lawyer can explain your rights and the likely steps in the investigation and prosecution.

- If you are the alleged perpetrator. Criminal allegations can lead to arrest, charges and serious penalties, so you need early legal representation to protect your rights.

- If you want to have a victim counsel - in Sweden called a målsägandebiträde - to represent your interests in the criminal case and communicate with the prosecutor.

- If you want to pursue civil damages for harm or loss, to ensure claims are properly framed and timed.

- If you need help obtaining protective measures - for example a contact prohibition - or are concerned about child custody, visitation or other family-law consequences.

- If you are vulnerable, a minor, a foreign national or have language difficulties - a lawyer can help secure translation, special protections and access to interpreters.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points to keep in mind for sexual-abuse matters in Solna and Sweden generally:

- Types of offences: Swedish law covers a range of sexual crimes including rape, sexual coercion, sexual molestation, sexual exploitation of children and aggravated versions of these offences. The legal focus increasingly centers on consent and on protecting vulnerable persons.

- Age limits: Sweden has statutory age protections. The age of sexual consent in Sweden is 15. Sexual activity with children under protected ages is treated severely under the law.

- Criminal procedure: Once a report is made the police investigate and forward the matter to the prosecutor if there is probable cause. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges and represents the state in court.

- Victim representation: Victims can request a målsägandebiträde to appear for them in criminal proceedings. This counsel can be appointed and paid by the state in many serious cases.

- Protective measures: Courts can impose contact prohibitions and other protective orders. The police can act immediately if there is an imminent threat to safety.

- Evidence and medical examinations: Timely medical assessment is important for both health and evidence preservation. Hospitals and sexual-assault reception units can perform forensic examinations.

- Compensation: A victim can claim damages from the perpetrator in civil court and may also be eligible for state compensation for crime-related injury through the national victim compensation system. Administrative and financial support options may be available via social services.

- Confidentiality and privacy: Special protections apply to minors and other vulnerable victims. Media rules and privacy protections may limit publication of identifying information in some cases.

- Time limits: Statutes of limitation vary by offence and severity. Prompt action is advisable to protect legal rights and evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Swedish law?

Sexual abuse covers a range of actions where a person is subjected to unwanted sexual conduct. This includes physical acts such as sexual assault and rape, sexual coercion, indecent exposure, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation of minors. The presence or absence of consent is central to the assessment of many offences.

How do I report sexual abuse in Solna?

You can report sexual abuse to the police by visiting a police station, calling the emergency number if you are in immediate danger, or contacting them by phone for non-urgent matters. When you report, the police will take a statement and may begin an investigation. If you prefer, you can first contact a sexual-assault support service or social services for guidance about reporting.

Should I get a medical examination even if I am not sure about reporting to the police?

Yes. A medical examination is important for your health and can preserve physical evidence if you later choose to report. Hospitals and sexual-assault reception units can provide medical care, treatment for injuries, prevention of infections and documentation that may be useful in a later investigation.

What is a målsägandebiträde and can I get one?

A målsägandebiträde is a lawyer who represents a victim's interests in a criminal case. You can request one, and in many sexual-crime cases the court or the prosecutor may grant a victim counsel paid by the state. The counsel helps with interaction with the prosecutor, represents you at hearings and advises on legal options.

Can I get a protective order or ban on contact?

Yes. Swedish courts can impose contact prohibitions (kontaktförbud) that prohibit the alleged perpetrator from contacting you. The police can take immediate measures if you are in imminent danger. A lawyer or victim-support organization can advise on how to seek these protections.

Will reporting to the police lead to a public court process?

Criminal cases are normally public in Sweden, but there are legal protections for victims, especially minors and other vulnerable people. Prosecutors assess whether to pursue charges, and there are rules that limit the publication of identifying information about victims in many cases.

Can I seek compensation for the harm I suffered?

Yes. You may be able to claim damages from the perpetrator through civil proceedings and you can apply for state victim compensation for costs and injuries related to the crime. Social services and victim-support organizations can help you understand what compensation is available and how to apply.

What if the alleged perpetrator is a family member or lives with me?

Family relationship does not remove criminal liability. If you are at risk, contact the police immediately. Social services can assist with emergency housing, and shelters and support organizations can help you find safe accommodation. A lawyer can advise on both criminal and family-law consequences such as custody or eviction issues.

I am not Swedish - what if I am a foreign national or visitor?

Your rights to report, to medical care, and to protection are the same in Sweden. If you need translation, interpreters are usually provided during police interviews and in health-care settings. Ask for an interpreter. If you need help with residence or immigration matters arising from the situation, seek specialised legal advice early.

How long do I have to report an offence?

Time limits depend on the specific offence and its severity. Some serious sexual offences have longer limitation periods. For evidence and legal options it is best to act without delay - seek medical care, preserve evidence and speak with the police or a lawyer as soon as possible.

Additional Resources

Here are types of local and national resources that can help you in Solna:

- Police - for immediate danger, reporting crimes and obtaining protective action.

- Public Prosecution Authority - handles charging decisions and prosecutions.

- Crime Victim Compensation Authority - handles state victim compensation claims.

- Victim-support organisations - local branches provide emotional support, practical help and guidance through the legal process.

- Solna municipality social services - can assist with emergency housing, social support and follow-up services.

- Regional health-care providers and hospital sexual-assault reception units - for medical care and forensic examinations.

- Child-focused services such as Barnahus or equivalent child-friendly interview and support units when children are involved.

- Legal aid - if you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about rättshjälp (legal aid) and the possibility of a state-funded victim counsel.

Next Steps

If you or someone else is in immediate danger call the emergency number without delay. If it is not an emergency but you need help now - contact the local police station, social services in Solna or a victim-support organisation to get advice and immediate support.

As soon as you can - seek medical attention, preserve any possible evidence (do not shower, change clothes or delete messages if you can avoid it), write down what happened and when, and collect names of any witnesses.

Decide whether to make a police report. You can ask a support organisation or lawyer to accompany you during reporting. If you will be a victim in a criminal case, consider asking for a målsägandebiträde to represent your interests.

If you are unsure about legal options or whether to go to court, consult a lawyer experienced in sexual-crime matters. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid or state-funded victim counsel. Keep a record of all contacts with authorities and support services and prioritise your health and safety - consider counselling or specialised trauma support.

This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace personalised legal advice. For case-specific guidance contact a qualified lawyer or a recognised victim-support organisation in Solna.