[Criminal investigation in violent and sex crimes against children]

The investigation of violent and sex crimes against children differs from that of the crimes of violence against adults. This is why every attempt is made to concentrate the investigation of these cases to police officers having received specialized training. The most significant difference in the investigation of violent crimes against children and adults is related to the hearing of children as complainants. A child under the age of 15 will not be heard in the court, and thus the hearing of a child in the stage of preliminary investigation forms part of the trial. The different status of a child must also be taken into account in other investigational procedures. A person under 18 must be treated in accordance with her/his age and developmental status.