Being the subject of an LVU case as a parent is a deeply distressing experience. It becomes even more complicated when the authorities justify the intervention by referring to alleged domestic violence—especially if you feel the accusations are exaggerated, taken out of context, or simply false. In this article, we explain how the Swedish LVU process works in cases involving domestic violence and what rights and options you have as the accused parent.
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What Is LVU?
LVU stands for the Swedish “Law with Special Provisions on the Care of Young People” (Lag med särskilda bestämmelser om vård av unga). This law allows the Swedish social services to place children in care without parental consent if the child is deemed to be at serious risk and voluntary interventions are not considered sufficient.
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What Does “Domestic Violence” Mean in These Cases?
In the context of LVU in Sweden, domestic violence doesn’t necessarily mean physical abuse. It may include psychological violence, emotional instability, verbal aggression, threats, or even just an atmosphere of fear and conflict. Even if the child has not been directly subjected to violence, witnessing or living in such an environment may be seen as harmful.
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Can a Child Be Taken into Care Based on Suspicion Alone?
Unfortunately, yes. In Sweden, even a single report from a school, neighbor, or police officer can be enough to trigger an LVU investigation—especially if the child is believed to be in danger. If the situation is considered urgent, social services can issue an emergency care order immediately.
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What Happens If You Disagree With the Allegations?
Many parents feel that their side of the story is not heard. It is not uncommon for social service investigations to appear one-sided or to rely heavily on the statements of a child, partner, or third party without verifying your perspective. You have the right to a public legal counsel (offentligt biträde)—a lawyer who will represent your interests and help you contest the care order.
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How Does the Process Work?
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The investigation starts with social services gathering information from the child, family members, school, and others.
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If the risk is considered serious, they may apply to the administrative court (förvaltningsrätten) for compulsory care under LVU.
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In emergency cases, they may initiate immediate placement, which must be reviewed by the court within four working days.
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You will be informed, and your lawyer can present your version of events and argue your case.
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The court then holds a hearing and decides whether the care order should be approved.
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What Can You Do as a Parent?
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Cooperate strategically. While you are not required to agree with the allegations, showing that you are child-focused and willing to improve the situation is helpful.
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Document your side. Gather any proof—text messages, witness statements, documents—that supports your version.
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Request an independent expert. In some cases, it can be helpful to bring in an external psychologist or family therapist to assess the situation.
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Use your lawyer actively. Your public counsel should help you challenge weak or misleading evidence and advocate for your rights.
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Appeal the court’s decision. If the administrative court approves the LVU placement, you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Court of Appeal (kammarrätten).
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Can Your Child Come Back Home?
Yes—compulsory care under LVU should end as soon as the conditions that justified it no longer exist. If you show that the risk is gone—through counseling, improved living conditions, or by disproving the claims—you can request the termination of care. However, you may need to actively file a motion in court to initiate that process.
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Summary
LVU cases involving alleged domestic violence in Sweden are emotionally and legally complex. Even if you feel falsely accused, you have rights—and you are not powerless. Acting quickly, documenting your position, and working with an experienced LVU lawyer can significantly affect the outcome.
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Are you facing an LVU investigation?
Contact our law firm today. We have extensive experience representing parents in child protection proceedings under Swedish law, and we are here to ensure your voice is heard.
