LAW AND STRATEGY: THE SWEDISH RESPONSE 6/9

5.1 Legislative Framework in Sweden to Combat Violence Against Women In Sweden, violence against women is regulated mainly in different chapters of the Penal Code (Brottsbalken). The Penal Code applies, in particular, to the following: 

 domestic violence,  

 sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault and harassment or stalking),  

 human trafficking,   

 cyber violence and harassment using new technologies, and   

 harmful practices, such as forced marriages.

There is no specific legislation on “honour” crimes but criminal acts in this context are covered by the Penal Code. However, there is a separate law on penalising female genital mutilation (FGM) (Lag (1982:316) med förbud mot könsstympning av kvinnor)21. It provides that FGM is considered a punishable crime in Sweden even if the act was committed in a country where it is not illegal. There is also a separate law on harassment and stalking (Lag (1988:688) om kontaktförbud).

5.2 National Strategy to Prevent and Combat Men’s Violence Against Women  Given the omniscient effect of gender in politics and government, it is unsurprising that stopping violence against women is a priority for the Swedish government. The National strategy to prevent and combat men’s violence against women came into force on the 1st of January 2017 for a ten-year period. It has four objectives:  

 increased and effective preventive work to combat violence; 

 improved detection of violence and stronger protection for and support to women and children subjected to violence; 

 more effective crime-fighting; and 

 improved knowledge and methodological development.  The strategy itself is far-reaching and inclusive of different aspects of violence against women (for example includes measures to combat violence in same-sex relationships as well as measures that counteract destructive masculinity and notions of honour. 

The participation of men is viewed as essential for this strategy. Prevention, rather than dealing with the consequences of violence against women, has been the government’s priority which requires a coordinated effort between all relevant actors at all levels. In doing so, the government has tackled key areas such as and breaking with the norms that justify violence, the purchase of sexual services and other restrictions on the freedom of action and life choices of women and girls. Improvements towards detection is also a very important factor.

Towards this strategy, the Swedish Government has allocated SEK 600 million to an action plan containing new measures for 2017–2020, in addition to SEK 300 million in development funds to municipalities and county councils.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2018/604958/IPOL_IDA(2018)604958_EN.pdf